U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Recent News About U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
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Volaris Airlines fined $300,000 by DOT for unlawful tarmac delays
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a fine of $300,000 on Volaris Airlines for violating federal statutes and the Department’s rule prohibiting tarmac delays of four hours or more on international flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane. The airline has also been ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations.
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GLS unveils new visitor center at Eisenhower Lock on its 70th anniversary
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) celebrated its 70th anniversary with the grand opening of a new visitor center at the U.S. Eisenhower Lock in Massena, N.Y., on May 13, 2024. Top officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation were present at the event.
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FRA announces over $2 billion funding for Northeast Corridor improvements
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes available over $2 billion in Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program funding for projects located on the Northeast Corridor (Fed State-NEC). The corridor supports 800,000 passengers per day and billions of dollars in annual economic activity. Modernizing this critical infrastructure to provide safer, faster and more reliable passenger rail service is a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
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New climate change research center announced by Biden-Harris administration
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has declared a $1.7 million research funding allocation for the establishment of a Climate Change and Transportation Research Center at the University of California, Davis. The newly formed Center for Emissions Reduction, Resiliency, and Climate Equity in Transportation will function in cooperation with DOT to support the DOT Climate Change Center and various other related departmental climate and research programs.
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USDOT announces third year of SMART Grants funding
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced today that it is accepting applications for the third year of its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. The SMART Grants Program was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021. As part of the President’s Investing in America agenda, the program will fund up to $500 million in grants over five years to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems that improve transportation...
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Chinatown Stitch: A Documentary on Biden-Harris Administration's Funding Impact in Philadelphia
On May 13, 2024, during Infrastructure Week and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled the second episode of its "Investing in America" video series. This installment focuses on the Chinatown Stitch project in Philadelphia, a historic community initiative that received $159 million from the Biden-Harris Administration.
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DOT releases February 2024 Air Travel Consumer Report
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data for February 2024, which includes information on on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR aims to provide consumers with insights into the quality of services offered by airlines.
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Transportation Secretary Buttigieg inspects infrastructure projects in Western Montana
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently embarked on a tour of Western Montana as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing Investing in America Tour. The purpose of his visit was to observe the progress made on transportation and infrastructure projects, which have been funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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Brent Spence Bridge Project Advances with Completion of Environmental Review
The Brent Spence Bridge project, connecting Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky, has achieved a significant milestone. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that the project's sponsors have successfully completed the comprehensive environmental review. This development paves the way for groundbreaking activities in the upcoming months.
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U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $3 Million in ‘Quick Release’ Emergency Relief Funding for I-95 Repairs After Truck Fire in Norwalk, Connecticut
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has made $3 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds available for the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to repair damages caused by a recent truck fire on I-95 in Norwalk, Connecticut.U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of I-95 by stating, “I-95 is a critical highway—for both the people of Connecticut and our nation’s transportation network—and the Biden-Harris Administration focused immediately on helping Governor Lamont quickly restore travel.”...
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ICYMI: Safety Advocates Voice Support for Biden Administration’s New Car Safety Rule
In a recent development, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has finalized a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that will mandate automatic emergency braking (AEB) as a standard feature on all passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks by September 2029. This move is expected to have a significant impact on road safety, with projections indicating that it could save hundreds of lives annually and prevent thousands of injuries while also saving billions of dollars in property damages.Various safety advocates and...
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Biden-Harris Administration Enhances Protections and Assistance for People Affected by Federally-Funded Projects
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule aimed at updating the government-wide Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act), providing enhanced protections and assistance for individuals impacted by federally-funded projects. This significant update, the first in nearly two decades, focuses on ensuring fair compensation and moving assistance for those affected by such projects.U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the importance of the final rule, stating, “Congress passed the Uniform Act...
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DOT reminds passengers that they may be entitled to a $75 voucher from Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is now obligated to provide passengers with a transferable voucher worth at least $75 if their flight is canceled or delayed for three or more hours beyond the scheduled arrival time, as per the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This compensation initiative comes in response to the DOT's enforcement action following the stranding of millions of passengers during the 2022 holiday season by the airline.
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U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Closing of First Loan to Support Transit-Oriented Development
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved its first Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) TIFIA loan for the Mt. Vernon Library Commons Project in Washington state. The project, with a loan of up to $26.8 million, is set to provide various amenities for the community and promote sustainable practices.U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Having a library, public restrooms, a community center, and a kitchen all under one roof—and only steps away from Skagit station—will be a major benefit for the people...
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USDOT Alerts Passengers of Compensation Requirements for Southwest Airlines Delays and Cancellations
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken action to ensure that passengers affected by Southwest Airlines' delays and cancellations receive the compensation they are owed. As of today, Southwest Airlines is required to provide passengers with a transferrable voucher worth at least $75 for controllable cancellations or delays that result in passengers reaching their destination three or more hours late.U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of holding airlines accountable, stating, “After the 2022 holiday meltdown, our department...
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NHTSA Finalizes Key Safety Rule to Reduce Crashes and Save Lives
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...