President Johnson announced that he wanted to create the Department of Transportation January 1966. He sent Congress a bill to establish a Department in March 1966. The new agency would coordinate and manage transportation programs, provide leadership in the resolution of transportation problems, and develop national transportation policies and programs. Johnson sent Congress this bill to propose improvement in public safety and accessibility. The department would accomplish this mission under the leadership of a secretary, four staff assistant secretaries whose functions would expedite the line authority between the secretary, under the secretary, and the heads of the operating administrations. Finally, this department was created on April 1, 1967.
Secretary of Transportation
The President-elect, Trump nominated Elaine Chao to be the secretary of Transportation. She is the 18th Secretary of Transportation but formally served as the Secretary of Labor under President Bush. Her office oversees formulation of national transportation and promotes intermodal transportation.
Department Seal
The DOT Headquarters is in Southeast, Washington, D.C.. Within the department lies the Federal Aviation Administration, National Hwy Traffic Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Federal Hwy Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Transit Administration and the Maritime Administration.
Livable communities that support walking are a high priority of the U.S. Department of Transportation. A livable community is one that provides safe and convenient transportation choices to all citizens, whether it's by walking, bicycling, transit, or driving. Each year, unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities comprise about 16 percent of all traffic fatalities with approximately 5,000 pedestrian deaths. Another 65,000 pedestrians are injured in roadway crashes annually. These numbers have been rising recently and this is unacceptable. Pedestrian safety improvements depend on an integrated approach that involves the 4 E's: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Services.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Build America Bureau is soliciting applications for up to $850 million in Fostering Advancements in Shipping in Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies grants.
Statistics show that cancellations of flights are at an all time low of 1.17%. Mishandled baggage has been at 2.7 reports per 1000 passengers. Bumpings are at .62 bumps per 1000 passengers.
3.2 trillion miles have been driven on the road in 2016. Automated cars have been made to make driving safer, more assessable and efficient. Also safer airbags are being established in new cars.
President Obama signed the FAST act plan. Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act is the first long-surface transportation law in 10 years.
U.S. DOT named small business innovation research program awards recipient. 14 small business owners will get $1.9 million to research and develop innovative solutions to our nation's transportation system.
DOT launches a Smart City challenge. Candidate cities are encouraged to create a transportation city for the future.
Furthermore the DOT implements international transportation agreements, assures fitness of U.S. airlines, and enforces airline consumer protection regulations.
Credits:
Created with images by Loco Steve - "SP 142 business/observation car at Santa Barbara station ca." • Hudson Institute - "Farewell Reception Honoring Hudson Distinguished Fellow and Secretary of Transportation-designate Elaine L. Chao" • DonkeyHotey - "Department of Transportation Seal" • Skitterphoto - "zebra person crossing" • Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view - "Freight Train BNSF # 8269" • JefferyTurner - "Bob Hope Airport - September 16, 2014" • illustir - "Night Traffic" • Pete Prodoehl - "President Obama" • Anna Majkowska - "Department of Transportation" • jaғar ѕнaмeeм - "nypd traffic" • algrin25 - "busan night scene gwangan bridge night"