All articles tagged with #department of transportation
The Department of Transportation plans to take over management of Washington's Union Station to address its disrepair and support broader efforts by the Trump administration to enhance infrastructure and control in DC, including beautification and security measures, amid ongoing federal involvement in the city.
The Department of Transportation will take back control of Washington D.C.'s Union Station from Amtrak to improve safety, security, and infrastructure, with plans to reinvest income into upgrades and renegotiate management agreements, amid ongoing federal efforts to address crime and homelessness at the station.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian expressed optimism about the Trump administration's regulatory approach, suggesting it could ease what he sees as overreach by the current Department of Transportation. The airline industry is hopeful for more favorable conditions under Trump's leadership, including potential support for mergers and infrastructure improvements. Other airline CEOs have echoed the need for stability and resources, particularly in air traffic control and visa approvals.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy as the Secretary of Transportation. Duffy, a strong Trump supporter, will oversee a $110 billion budget and manage aviation, automotive, rail, and transit policies. His nomination follows Trump's trend of appointing close allies to key positions. Duffy's experience includes serving in Congress and working as a prosecutor and reality TV star. If confirmed, he will succeed Pete Buttigieg and address ongoing transportation challenges, including aviation safety and vehicle emissions regulations.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin Congressman and Fox News contributor, as the Secretary of Transportation. Duffy, who has a background in television and politics, will oversee a department with a $100 billion budget and over 57,000 employees, responsible for the nation's aviation, highways, railroads, and ports. His appointment follows Trump's recent selection of another Fox host, Pete Hegseth, for the Department of Defense. Duffy's confirmation could impact ongoing initiatives under current Secretary Pete Buttigieg, including infrastructure projects and consumer protection efforts.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation revoked the licenses of Avonti Auto LLC and Rev’d Up Auto Ltd for failing to maintain a required dealer bond, a measure meant to protect consumers from illegal actions by dealers. Neither business appealed the decision, making the revocation final.
Southwest Airlines flights are now available on Google Flights, marking a significant shift from their previous strategy of only selling tickets directly through their own website. This change comes as Southwest faces financial struggles and new Department of Transportation rules that require airfare displays to include fees, making Southwest's bundled pricing model appear more competitive.
A Texas judge, appointed by Trump, ruled against the Biden administration's highway climate rule, stating that it was unauthorized. The rule, issued by the Department of Transportation, required states to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on the U.S. highway system. Texas sued the DOT, arguing that the rule exceeded its statutory authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. This decision comes amid other climate-related lawsuits between Texas and the Biden administration.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is preparing for an influx of visitors to the southeastern part of the state for the total solar eclipse on April 8th. They are implementing measures such as additional portable cameras, changeable message boards, and pausing maintenance activities to optimize traffic flow. The department is urging drivers to prioritize safety by turning on headlights, avoiding stopping on the highway during the eclipse, and downloading the Drive OK app for communication updates.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced a proposed rule from the Department of Transportation to ensure airline passengers who use wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity. The rule would set new standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities, mandate enhanced training for airline employees, and specify actions airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport. The proposed rule also aims to make it easier for the DOT to hold airlines accountable for mishandling wheelchairs. Additionally, the rule seeks comments on issues such as lavatory size standards and reimbursement of airfare difference for wheelchair users.
A viral video of a Tesla driver seemingly letting the Cybertruck drive itself while wearing Apple's new Vision Pro headset has raised safety concerns, prompting U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to emphasize that all advanced driver assistance systems require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged at all times. Despite Apple's caution against using the headset while driving, the driver in the video claimed it was a "skit" and drove for 30 to 40 seconds. This incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Tesla's driver-assisted features and recalls related to ensuring driver attention.
Multiple crashes due to icy conditions have shut down sections of Interstate 93 in Manchester and Sanbornton, causing significant traffic backups. The closures include all lanes on the northbound side near the I-293 split and the southbound side at mile 22, as well as all lanes of the southbound side in Sanbornton. State Police reported multiple crashes in the Tilton area, and it's unclear if there were any injuries. Stay tuned for updates on the developing situation.
The U.S. Department of Justice and a federal inspector general’s office are investigating the sudden closure of the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island, prompting Governor Dan McKee to instruct the Department of Transportation to fully cooperate. The closure, initially attributed to a structural failure, may now require complete reconstruction, and the governor has faced criticism for downplaying the impact on commuters. Attorney General Peter Neronha and State Rep. Jason Knight have both expressed support for the federal inquiry, aiming to swiftly uncover the cause of the bridge's issues.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced over $2 billion in private activity bond authority to support the construction of the Brightline West high-speed rail project, which will connect Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This funding, combined with a previous $3 billion federal grant, will help finance the $12 billion project, with service expected to begin as early as 2028. The project aims to create a fully electric, zero-emission system and is projected to create up to 35,000 jobs. This investment is part of the Biden administration's broader plan to significantly boost passenger rail infrastructure in the U.S.
Southwest Airlines has been fined $140 million by the Department of Transportation for multiple violations of consumer protection laws during and after a holiday meltdown that left millions of passengers stranded. The airline failed to provide adequate customer service assistance, timely flight status notifications, and prompt refunds to affected passengers. The fine includes a $35 million payment to the US Treasury, but Southwest will receive a $33 million credit for issuing Rapid Rewards points to affected passengers. The airline also established a $90 million compensation system and will provide transferrable vouchers for passengers experiencing significant delays. Southwest denies any wrongdoing and has paid over $600 million in reimbursements to affected travelers.