U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

U.S. Government | Federal Agencies

Recent News About U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

  • Biden-Harris administration announces $26.5 million in planning grants for national bridge projects

    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.


  • Biden-Harris administration proposes ban on airline junk fees for family seating

    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.


  • USDOT announces new bilingual anti-trafficking materials

    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.


  • Biden-Harris administration announces major grants under bipartisan infrastructure law

    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.


  • Secretary Buttigieg reminds airlines of legal obligations for passenger refunds

    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.


  • FAA announces over $374M for airport improvements across US

    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.


  • U.S. Department of Transportation marks progress on disability rights under Biden-Harris Administration

    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.


  • Biden administration highlights infrastructure improvements in new documentary

    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.


  • Buttigieg highlights major infrastructure projects during Los Angeles visit

    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.


  • Air Travel Consumer Report: DOT releases operational data for April

    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.


  • Biden-Harris administration announces major investment plan targeting key national bridge projects

    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.


  • USDOT hosts symposium celebrating progress in transport decarbonization

    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.


  • Federal Railroad Administration announces $153 million in grants for intercity passenger rail

    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.


  • Biden-Harris administration announces funding boost for small shipyards across multiple states

    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.


  • Biden-Harris administration allocates $1.1 billion to enhance rail crossing safety

    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.


  • Biden-Harris administration allocates $1.5 billion to enhance US transit infrastructure

    The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced approximately $1.5 billion in funding to support 117 projects aimed at improving public transportation across 47 states. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has allocated nearly $5 billion over the past three years to replace and modernize transit buses with new technology produced by American workers. More than 4,600 new buses will be manufactured as a result.


  • Biden-Harris administration announces historic funding for Hudson River Tunnel project

    NEW YORK – Today, one of the largest infrastructure projects in American history advanced significantly with billions of dollars in support from the Biden-Harris Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Hudson River Tunnel project will construct a critical new rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey along a vital economic corridor. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s $66 billion investment in passenger rail, marking the largest project in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).


  • DOT releases highest-ever air travel consumer report data excluding pandemic year

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released data on consumer submissions regarding air travel for June-December 2023 and the full calendar year 2023. The number of submissions in 2023 was the highest on record, except for 2020.


  • Department of Transportation awards contracts for complementary positioning technologies worth over $7 million

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded contracts to nine Complementary Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology vendors. The Global Positioning System (GPS), a primary PNT service supporting critical infrastructure, is widely used across various sectors including aviation, maritime, rail transportation, surveying, the financial sector, machine control, precision agriculture, science missions, and space applications. However, GPS signals are vulnerable to disruptions due to their reliance on satellites in medium Earth orbit.


  • Biden-Harris Administration announces $600 million for projects reconnecting communities

    U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the third round of the Department’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program. The FY24 NOFO includes funding from FY24-26, totaling over $600 million for capital construction and community planning grants. This initiative is part of the ongoing investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at enhancing infrastructure across the nation.