News and reports from the Department of Transportation.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today the allocation of more than $26.5 million in planning grants through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) competitive Bridge Investment Program. Created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants will fund 28 projects across 18 states to develop future bridge construction projects aimed at improving safety, economic competitiveness, and resilience to climate change.

The Biden-Harris Administration has proposed a new rule aimed at banning airlines from charging fees for seating families together on flights. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has put forward this rule, which would mandate airlines to seat parents next to their young children for free when adjacent seating is available at booking. This initiative could save a family of four up to $200 per roundtrip if seat fees are typically $25.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced new bilingual counter-trafficking materials in observance of the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The announcement is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that public awareness and outreach materials for the transportation sector are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is allocating $427 million in funding for 245 airport-related infrastructure grants across 39 states to modernize and improve America’s airports. The projects are funded under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, part of the $25 billion total included in the law for airport improvements such as terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure improvements.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has issued a stern reminder to the CEOs of the ten largest U.S. airlines regarding their legal obligations to provide passengers with cash refunds. This directive comes as part of the enforcement of the FAA Reauthorization Act, which took effect on May 16, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced over $374 million in grants for airfield, safety, and other improvement projects at 299 airports across 46 states and American Samoa.

On the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has highlighted significant advancements in disability rights under the Biden-Harris Administration. The DOT has made substantial efforts to enhance safety and accessibility within America's transportation system for individuals with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released the fourth installment of its “Investing in America” video series, highlighting U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s visit to Mississippi in June. The documentary focuses on projects funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and underscores how investments from the Biden-Harris Administration are bolstering local economies, creating jobs, improving supply chain efficiency, and connecting underserved communities.

Last week, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America tour, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg traveled to Los Angeles, CA, where he joined community leaders and city officials to highlight a major milestone on a vital infrastructure project and review progress on other transportation projects in Southern California.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) for April 2024, detailing airline operational data on on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR aims to provide consumers with information about the quality of airline services.

WASHINGTON – Today, to kick off the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America tour, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced more than $5 billion in Large Bridge Project awards through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) competitive Bridge Investment Program, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

On July 11-12, the U.S. Department of Transportation hosted a Transportation and Climate Symposium in Washington, D.C., to recognize climate champions and innovative solutions aimed at decarbonizing transportation systems and creating more accessible mobility options for Americans.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that allocates over $153 million for the Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Grant Program. This funding aims to cover operating costs for projects establishing new routes, restoring former intercity passenger operations, and enhancing existing services. These initiatives align with ongoing major rail projects nationwide, supported by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $8.75 million in grant awards to 15 small shipyards in 12 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funds aim to help shipyards modernize, increase productivity, and expand local job opportunities while competing in the global marketplace.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes available over $1.1 billion in Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program funding. This competitive discretionary grant program is dedicated to improving the safety and efficiency of railroad crossings by investing in projects that construct grade separations, upgrade safety devices at crossings, or close at-grade crossings where roads and train tracks intersect.