Ignition Magazine: News from TRB's IDEA Programs - Fall/Winter 2009

The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Studies and Special Programs Division, examines new tools that monitor structural integrity and detect damage concealed by fiber-reinforced polymer wrapping; a quick, precise, and nondestructive technique for detecting chlorides; an improved diagnostic system for S-cam foundation air brakes used on trucks and buses; a mobile phone navigation software for special needs public transportation riders; and more.

Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs provide start-up funding for promising but unproven innovations in surface transportation systems. The programs’ goal is to foster ingenious solutions that are unlikely to be funded through traditional programs. Managed by the Transportation Research Board, IDEA programs are supported by the member state departments of transportation of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.