Transportation News
Transportation
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the finalization of a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing accidents. The new standard will mandate automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, to be standard on all passenger cars and light trucks by September 2029.According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, "The new vehicle safety standards we finalized today will save hundreds of lives and prevent tens of thousands of...
Transportation
Biden-Harris Administration Channels $76 Million to Modernize Airports Across the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the allocation of $76.1 million for 45 airport-related infrastructure projects in 22 states, as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. This funding is part of the $9 billion set aside for airport improvements in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of these grants in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the nation's airports, stating, “Millions of...
Transportation
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $150 Million in Grants to Help Reduce Truck Air Pollution Near America’s Ports
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has unveiled a significant investment of $148 million in grants to 11 states and Puerto Rico to address air pollution near ports. This funding is part of a larger $400 million program aimed at enhancing air quality and reducing pollution for truck drivers, port workers, and communities living in close proximity to ports. The initiative, known as the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Grant Program, focuses on port electrification and efficiency enhancements to minimize pollution from idling...
Transportation
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Rules to Enhance Air Travel Consumer Protections
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced new rules that aim to provide better protections for airline passengers and save consumers money by preventing surprise junk fees in air travel. Speaking about the importance of these rules, Secretary Buttigieg stated, “Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them - without having to ask.”The first rule requires airlines to automatically provide cash refunds to passengers when owed due to flight cancellations, significant changes, delayed...
Transportation
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees
The Biden-Harris Administration has made a significant move in the realm of airline passenger rights by announcing a final rule that mandates airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of this rule, stating, “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling.”The new rule sets clear guidelines for when airlines must issue refunds, aiming to create certainty for consumers. Previously, airlines had varying refund policies, making...
Transportation
Secretary Buttigieg Announces Major Airline Consumer Protection Rules
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg delivered remarks at Washington National Airport to announce two final rules aimed at enhancing consumer protection for airline passengers. The rules, part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to promote fairer and more transparent markets, will provide automatic cash refunds to passengers owed refunds and protect consumers from surprise airline fees.In his speech, Secretary Buttigieg expressed gratitude to advocates and stakeholders in the aviation industry, highlighting the collaborative effort that led to the...
Transportation
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule to Protect Consumers from Surprise Airline Junk Fees
WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled a final rule designed to shield airline passengers from unexpected junk fees when purchasing tickets. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "Airlines should compete with one another to secure passengers’ business—not to see who can charge the most in surprise fees."The rule mandates that airlines and ticket agents disclose fees for services such as checked bags, carry-ons, and reservation changes upfront. This measure aims to prevent consumers from falling...
Transportation
USDOT Meets with East Coast Port Leaders to Address Supply Chain Disruptions
WASHINGTON – On Friday, April 19, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) convened a meeting with the National Economic Council and leaders from ports up and down the East Coast to address supply chain disruptions following the suspension of vessel traffic at the Port of Baltimore. The meeting aimed to mitigate the impacts of the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and coordinate responses among key stakeholders.During the meeting, DOT provided an update on the timeline to reopen the Port of Baltimore, assuring that the reopening is on schedule. East Coast...
Transportation
Secretary Buttigieg’s Remarks at Historic Groundbreaking in Las Vegas for the Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project
Secretary Buttigieg and other administration officials, along with various dignitaries, gathered in Las Vegas for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project. The project, a 218-mile high-speed rail line between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Rancho Cucamonga, California, is set to become one of the greenest forms of transportation in America, operating as a fully electric, zero-emission system and expected to open in 2028.At the event, Secretary Buttigieg expressed gratitude towards all those involved in making the high-speed rail project a...
Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation Celebrates Earth Day with Climate Leadership
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) marked this Earth Day by celebrating its commitment to climate leadership and the 25th anniversary of its Climate Change Center. The Center leads policy, research, and action to address the nation’s challenges regarding climate change and transportation.In the past year, USDOT has made significant strides in various climate initiatives. Among them, the Department awarded $830 million in grants to enhance transportation system resilience to climate impacts. This funding complements the $7.3 billion already allocated to support...
Transportation
Buttigieg writes op-ed calling on Congress to enact railroad safety initiatives in communities that rely on them
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently penned an op-ed, published in TIME, addressing the urgent need to improve the nation's railroad system. This comes in response to a train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio. Buttigieg also appealed to Congress to enact comprehensive legislation that would enforce industry accountability towards workers and communities nationwide through the bipartisan Railway Safety Act.
Transportation
Terminal at Port of Baltimore to expanded to handle more cargo after bridge collapse
Tradepoint Atlantic (TPA), a Baltimore County facility, is set to utilize an $8.26 million grant previously awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to handle increased cargo at TPA’s terminal on Sparrows Point at the Port of Baltimore. This action aligns with the federal government's objective to alleviate supply chain issues following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was struck by a shipping container.
Transportation
US DOT earmarks $60 million for a new Francis Scott Key Bridge in preliminary round of funding
Approximately $60 million in emergency relief funds have been allocated for the construction of a new Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), stating that the funds are now available to the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Transportation
Latest round of airport funding will provide $110 million to bolster 70 airports across the country
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently announced a $110 million initiative to enhance 70 airports across the United States. The funds are aimed at improving capacity and safety by modernizing airport and runway infrastructure, creating jobs, and enhancing airfield safety in 32 states.
Transportation
DOT announces $3.33 billion grant to help underserved communities affected by previous highway developments
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has declared that 132 projects across the nation will receive $3.33 billion to facilitate connections between communities and essential services such as schools and healthcare facilities. This initiative, known as the Reconnecting Communities Pilot and Neighborhood Access and Equity program, is a part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
Transportation
DOT to provide $57 in grants to help evaluate private-public partnerships for state and local governments
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is set to allocate over $57 million to assist municipalities in managing public-private initiatives. This funding, backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, was announced via a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for eligible projects.
Transportation
Buttigieg: ‘America's airports are showing their age and it's affecting how functional they are
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently toured several airports across the nation to underscore a $1 billion investment aimed at rehabilitating terminals at various American airports. Carlos Monje, Under Secretary of Transportation, and Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg also visited different airports to discuss these renovation projects. Buttigieg announced on an unspecified date that there was a need to modernize the aging infrastructure.
Transportation
DOT hopes to spearhead production of American manufacturing products in federal-aid highway developments
Job seekers may wish to consider applying to manufacturers serving the transportation industry. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has announced its decision to discontinue a measure aimed at supporting jobs in the American transportation industry through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
Transportation
DOT announces $180 million in grants for roadways used by commercial motor vehicles
Local communities, state governments, and tribal jurisdictions are now eligible to apply for over $180 million in grants intended to improve their roads. This announcement comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), with the aim of enhancing the safety of commercial motor vehicles on highways.
Transportation
DOT to provide $18 million to local communities for hazard transportation and pipeline programs
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has announced an $18 million grant to be allocated to local and state governments, universities, tribal communities, and non-profit groups. The funding aims to further the education of first responders.
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