WASHINGTON, DC, June 3, 2008 - The Public Safety Advisory Group of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) today announced approval of its name change to the Transportation Safety Advancement Group (TSAG). The group, comprised of public and private transportation operations and public safety experts, serves an official outreach capacity to the ITS Joint Program Office of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT).

In acknowledging the change, Jim Goerke, TSAG Immediate Past Chair, noted "The new name, Transportation Safety Advancement Group, more appropriately reflects the focus of the group's charter to promote the application of proven and emerging technologies for surface transportation safety, efficiency and economy."

The TSAG is dedicated to advancing national public safety goals through sound public policy, working partnerships; and ITS and related transportation technology applications. Facilitated and administered by ITS America, the TSAG also works to gain insight on local, regional and state-level experience, best-practices, and lessons-learned, and to providing feedback to the ITS Joint Program Office to help shape future policy and investment programs.

Noting the name change, TSAG Chair, Dia Gainor, Chief of the Idaho State Emergency Medical Services Bureau, added, "The name's emphasis on 'transportation' readily identifies our focus on all aspects of surface transportation operations and safety. While the change may seem subtle, the significance of the new name and brand new brand will be increasingly evident as transportation and public safety practitioners become aware and engaged in our broad effort to advance technologies for transportation safety, efficiency and economy."

TSAG Vice Chair, Colorado State Patrol Captain Raymond Fisher, representing the International Association of Chiefs of Police, added, "In advancing our TSAG charter, both ITS America and the U.S. DOT provide the necessary latitude, discretion, and support for executing our strategic plan, annual work plans, and day-to-day outreach activities through which we guide the U.S. DOT in effectively addressing transportation operation challenges and opportunities."

The Transportation Safety Advancement Group (TSAG) is comprised of representatives of key interest-communities, including Fire & Rescue, Emergency Communications, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Transportation Operations, Emergency Management, Technology & Telematics, and Academics & Research. For additional information, contact Bill Gouse, Vice President of Programs, Intelligent Transportation Society of America, 202-721-4212, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America is the leading advocate for technologies that improve the safety, security and efficiency of the nation's surface transportation system. Our members include private corporations, public agencies, and academic institutions involved in the research, development and design of Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies enhance safety, increase mobility and sustain the environment. www.itsa.org

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Sabrina Quirarte

ITS America

202-721-4205

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