Public Resources

Agency description:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees the implementation and operation of safe, efficient, accessible transportation systems across the nation.

Website:

www.dot.gov

Enabling Statute:

“The Department of Transportation is an executive department of the United States Government at the seat of Government. The head of the Department is the Secretary of Transportation. The Secretary is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.” 49 U.S.C. § 102(a)-(b)

Key issues:

Distracted driving; air passenger consumer protection; truck driver hours of service; high speed rail; light rail; fuel efficiency; highway construction.

Sub-agencies:

Bureau of Transportation Statistics; Federal Aviation Administration; Federal Highway Administration; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Federal Railroad Administration; Federal Transit Administration; Maritime Administration; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; Research and Innovative Technology Administration; Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; Surface Transportation Board

Agency description:

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics provides objective data and research on the nation’s transportation industry.

Website:

www.bts.gov

Key issues:

Airline traffic data; airfare information; air travel on time data; maritime trade and transportation; household travel information; bridge data.

Agency description:

The Federal Aviation Administration regulates air craft operation and air travel.

Website:

www.faa.gov

Key issues:

Air traffic safety; aircraft security; airport safety; pilot and air traffic controller fatigue.

Agency description:

The Federal Highway Administration oversees the design, construction, and maintenance of the highway system.

Website:

www.fhwa.dot.gov

Key issues:

Highway funding; congestion management; road and bridge safety; construction safety.

Agency description:

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the nation’s trucking industry and the interstate operation of commercial motor vehicles.

Website:

www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Key issues:

Texting ban; fatigue; hours of service regulations; drug and alcohol testing; cross-border trucking programs; bus safety.

Agency description:

The Federal Railroad Administration regulates the railroad industry.

Website:

www.fra.dot.gov

Key issues:

Railroad freight; Amtrak; high speed rail; tank care safety.

Agency description:

The Federal Transit Administration regulates the operation of public transit.

Website:

www.fta.dot.gov

Key issues:

Metropolitan planning; clean fuels; grants to fund safety improvements.

Agency description:

The Maritime Administration oversees the maintenance of merchant marines to assist in maritime commerce and auxiliary military services during times of war.

Website:

www.marad.dot.gov

Key issues:

Ship disposal; United States Merchant Marine; port and cargo security.

Agency description:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulates the safety of highways and vehicles.

Website:

www.nhtsa.gov

Key issues:

Automobile recalls; distracted driving; aggressive driving; motorcycle safety; bicycle road safety; child seats; crash avoidance; crashworthiness.

Agency description:

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration manages the safe transportation of hazardous materials.

Website:

www.phmsa.dot.gov

Key issues:

Hazmat labeling; pipeline security.

Agency description:

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) manages DOT’s research and education programs.

Website:

www.rita.dot.gov

Key issues:

Distracted driving initiatives; airline passenger consumer protection; crash fatality rates.

Agency description:

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation operates the Saint Lawrence Seaway between Lake Erie and the Port of Montreal.

Website:

www.seaway.dot.gov

Key issues:

Seaway security; recreational boating safety.

Agency description:

The Surface Transportation Board deals with railroad rate and service disputes.

Website:

www.stb.dot.gov

Key issues:

Competition in the rail industry; mitigating environmental hazards.