DOT Fines US Airways for Violation of Price Advertising Rules[ Mar 08, 2010 10:10 ] DOT 44-10
Monday, March 8, 2010
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
DOT Fines US Airways for Violation of Price Advertising Rules
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today assessed a $40,000 civil penalty against US Airways for violating rules that require airline price advertisements to disclose the full price consumers must pay for air transportation.
“When consumers shop for air travel, they have a right to know how much they will have to pay,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will continue to ensure that airlines comply with our price advertising rules.”
The Department’s Aviation Enforcement Office found that when consumers searched the carrier’s website for one-way flights sorted by schedule, US Airways provided a set of fares that did not include additional applicable taxes and fees, or any notice on that page that these additional charges would be required. Under DOT’s requirements for Internet advertising displays, the full fare must either be listed on the first screen that provides fare quotes, or the existence of additional government-imposed per-passenger charges must be prominently disclosed along with a hyperlink that takes consumers to a page that describes the additional charges.
The consent order is available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2010-0001.
-END-
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Illegal Interstate Bus Company Is Ordered to Cease All Operations Immediately - FMCSA Obtains Emergency Action to Shut Down Carrier[ Mar 07, 2010 11:09 ] DOT 43-10
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Contact: Duane DeBruyne
Tel.: 202-360-2935
202-366-4570
Illegal Interstate Bus Company Is Ordered to Cease All Operations Immediately FMCSA Obtains Emergency Action to Shut Down Carrier
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following an emergency request by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the United States District Court for the Central District of California on Saturday ordered the owner of Tierra Santa Inc, the illegal bus company involved in a March 5 fatal crash near Phoenix, Arizona, to immediately cease all interstate and international passenger service.
The carrier ceased operation on the evening of Friday, March 5 at the demand of FMCSA. Saturday's order makes that shutdown enforceable by the Court.
FMCSA’s complaint states that the owner of the bus company, Cayetano Martinez of Los Angeles, had previously been shut down by FMCSA, only to attempt to “reincarnate himself as a new carrier” and unsuccessfully attempted to gain U.S. Department of Transportation operating authority under a new name.
“Martinez has shown a persistency and determination to continue operating under new entities and business,” the complaint states.
The consent decree also prohibits Martinez, or any affiliated company, “from contracting with or arranging for additional transportation of passengers unless the contracted motor carrier possesses valid operating authority registration from FMCSA.”
The consent decree does not absolve Martinez from possible future civil penalties by FMCSA for violations of federal motor carrier safety regulations.
“It is absolutely essential that unsafe carriers like this one be taken off the road,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Safety is our number one priority at the Department of Transportation and we will not rest until this accident has been fully investigated.”
“FMCSA investigators are working tirelessly so that we can prevent such a senseless loss of life from happening again,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “We thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their outstanding partnership in bringing this emergency action forward so quickly.”
Click here to view the consent decree signed by Cayetano Martinez.
Click here to view the order signed by Judge George King.
END
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Department of Transportation Statement on Fatal Phoenix Bus Accident[ Mar 05, 2010 17:24 ] DOT 42-10
Friday, March 05, 2010
Contact: Maureen Knightly
202-366-4570
Duane DeBruyne
202-366-0456
U.S. Department of Transportation Statement on Fatal Phoenix Bus Accident
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that Tierra Santa Inc., the company involved in the fatal bus crash in Phoenix today, was operating illegally. FMCSA investigators are on the premises of Tierra Santa’s place of business and conducting an immediate, onsite compliance review of the company’s safety operations.
After submitting an application to receive USDOT passenger carrier operating authority in April 2009, the carrier was immediately notified by FMCSA via certified mail that they were “not authorized to engage in the interstate transportation of passengers by commercial motor vehicle during the application review.” The carrier’s application was officially denied on December 14, 2009.
“I am deeply saddened by this tragic accident and troubled that this carrier continued to operate without authority and without regard for the safety of its passengers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood. “The Department will take every action at its disposal to keep companies like this one off the road.”
“Today’s accident is an unspeakable tragedy and our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “Two weeks ago, I spoke in Phoenix about the importance of tightening the application and screening process to ensure companies with a history of safety violations are not permitted to jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road. Our number one priority is safety and we’re committed to preventing these kinds of needless accidents.”
END
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Vice President Biden Announces Nearly 200 New Recovery Act Transit Projects in 42 States[ Mar 05, 2010 12:46 ] DOT 41-10
Public Affairs: Tel. (202) 366-4570
Friday, March 5, 2010
Vice President Biden Announces Nearly 200 New Recovery Act Transit Projects in 42 States
Awards Mean FTA Has Met Aggressive Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Dollars to Work
WASHINGTON – Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced funding for 191 new Recovery Act transit projects in 42 states and Puerto Rico that will help transform the nation’s infrastructure and support thousands of jobs across the country. In making the over $600 million in new awards, the Federal Transit Administration met an aggressive deadline to award 100 percent of its Recovery Act transit formula dollars by March 5.
Since President Obama signed the Recovery Act in February 2009, the FTA has awarded 881 grants totaling $7.5 billion, which means all the formula transit funds provided by the Recovery Act have now been “obligated” or committed to specific transit projects. Once funds are obligated to a project, contracts can be bid, workers can be hired, buses and rail cars can be purchased and work can begin on transit construction projects that create jobs and drive economic growth. Recovery Act transit projects have already generated enough work to employ thousands of people nationwide and activity is expected to ramp up even further in the months ahead as new projects break ground and equipment orders are fulfilled.
“Investing in these transit upgrades not only puts construction workers on the job at project sites, but supports American manufacturing jobs all the way down the supply chain,” said Vice President Biden. “At a time when jobs are priority number one, that means twice the employment bang for the Recovery Act buck.”
“Because of transit projects being built with money from the Recovery Act, thousands of people can pay their mortgages or their rent, make their car payments, put food on the table for their families and maintain their quality of life,” said Secretary LaHood.
So far, Recovery Act funds have supported the purchase of nearly 12,000 buses, vans and rail vehicles, the construction or renovation of more than 850 transit facilities, and the performance of more than $620 million in preventive maintenance, which has helped to save transit service and jobs, and enhance service reliability.
In addition to the direct employment impact of the projects, domestic bus, seating and rail car manufacturers have received orders that are helping boost production and support jobs. For example, Orion Bus in Greensboro, NC has now received 10 contracts for nearly 300 buses with Recovery Act funds – orders the company says allowed it to maintain 176 jobs. Gillig Bus in Hayward, CA has received orders for 790 buses with Recovery Act funds – work the company says has allowed them to support 395 jobs. And American Seating Company in Grand Rapids, MI, a bus seating manufacturer, says they received $3 million in Recovery Act contracts last year, allowing them to add 11 full-time employees with additional job growth expected in 2010 thanks to the Recovery Act.
“Investing in modern, efficient transit systems will mean safe, reliable travel and clean air in our communities” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. “These projects are putting thousands of Americans to work right now while improving the lives of millions of Americans for years to come"
The U.S. Department of Transportation is making $48.1 billion available through the Recovery Act for all transportation projects, including highway and bridge, rail transit, small shipyards and airport construction and repairs nationwide. Of that, $36.8 billion already has been awarded.
The following FTA Recovery Act awards were announced today:
Alaska
Manley Village Council
$140,000
Purchase one 35ft. bus.
State Total
$140,000
Alabama
Alabama Department of Transportation
State of Alabama
$7,040,547
Purchase 3 replacement vans, 3 expansion vans;, Eng. & Design for two facilities.; Renovation of a bus facility.; Construction of a new bus facility; Real Estate Acquisition.; Preventive Maintenance.; Operating Assistance; Purchase 11 35ft.
Intercity buses
Alabama Department of Transportation
State of Alabama
$1,023,565
Acquisition/rehabilitation of parking facility; Operating assistance
State Total
$8,064,112
Arizona
Arizona Department of Transportation
State of Arizona
$2,166,936
Park & ride lots; administration buildings.; vehicle storage lot
Yuma Metropolitan Planning Org./Transportation Planning
$14,991
Additional ARRA Funding to complete installation of card-readers in
every MSTII (MB) vehicle
City of Phoenix
$14,969,916
Purchase of 2 buses; Construction of four park and ride lots and Operating assistance
State Total
$17,151,843
California
City of Modesto
$35,500
Preventive Maintenance
City of Turlock
$194,532
Bus transfer hub facility
Orange County Transportation Authority
$500,000
Purchase 3 35ft. AFI replacement buses for the City of Laguna Beach
City of Vallejo
$439,212
Vallejo Multimodal Station
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
$69,776
Metro Blue Line traction power substation
Southern California Regional Rail Authority
$4,675,477
Rehab Track, Positive Train Control, Keller Yard storage, Central Maintenance Facility Guard, Insurance.
City of Vacaville
$115,330
Purchase 14 electronic fare boxes
City of Santa Clarita
$2,385,864
Construction of Two Transit Parking Facilities
City of Fresno
$1,200,000
Operating Assistance
City of Montebello
$1,925,000
Purchase 3 40ft. CNG replacement buses; Operating assistance.
City of La Mirada
$63,287
Bus security cameras and maintenance equipment
City of Fairfield
$172,340
Install 63 fare boxes
Sacramento Regional Transit District
$488,000
Purchase six replacement minivans; Operating Assistance
California
Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, San Rafael
$244,279
Replacement of Bus Wash Equipment
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
$16,972,052
BART- Railcar and Station Equipment Improvements
City of Manteca
$649,009
Bus Passenger Amenities
City of Vallejo
$2,009,466
Vallejo Station
Municipal Transportation Agency/City and County of San Francisco
$18,221,874
Rebuild LRVs and preventive maintenance
San Mateo County Transit District
$2,045,371
Preventive Maintenance; purchase 2 40ft. repl. buses and 2 35ft.
replacement buses.
Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco Counties)
$2,684,596
San Mateo Bridges Replacement Project
Western Contra Costa Transit Authority
$197,637
Preventive Maintenance and Generator Purchase
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
$12,251,784
Purchase of 20 40ft. buses
City of Union City
$77,123
Purchase of 2 35ft. buses
Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority
$1,054,888
Preventive maintenance; Bus Lifts; parking lot repairs
Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority
$799,046
Preventive Maintenance
City of Santa Rosa
$983,249
Purchase 2 Hybrid Electric Buses
City of Simi Valley
$1,024,049
Garage modernization, ADA operations, and a wheelchair scale
Napa County Transportation Planning Agency
$721,312
Bus Rehab and Shop Equipment
Sonoma County Transit
$488,161
Replace 1 40ft. CNG Bus
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District
$6,682,626
Preventive Maintenance
Central Contra Costa Transit Authority
$1,107,398
Preventive Maintenance
City of Vacaville
$527,655
Vacaville Intermodal Station
City of Fairfield
$788,484
Purchase 6 35ft. repl. buses
State Total
$83,937,377
Colorado
Colorado Department of Transportation
$2,152,195
Purchase 2 expansion buses;
1 replacement bus; 1 van.
Rebuild 2 buses; equipment; operating assistance
City of Colorado Springs
$4,238,893
Purchase 3 support maintenance vehicles., 30 paratransit vans; construction administration facilities
renovate passenger facilities.; security equip.; bus stop enhancements; operating assistance
State Total
$6,391,088
Connecticut
Connecticut Department of Transportation
$237,778
Marlborough Park and Ride Lot Improvements
State Total
$237,778
District of Columbia
Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority
$1,605,000
Preventive Maintenance Costs
State Total
$1,605,000
Florida
Sarasota County Transportation Authority
$4,618,693
Purchase 2 35ft. hybrid buses; ITS, equipment; Transfer Facility
Lake County Board of County Commissioners
$180,067
Operating Assistance
Lakeland Area Mass Transit District
$3,928,562
Purchase 1 35ft. bus; bus shelters; operating assistance; misc. bus
equip.; construct rehab facility
Florida Department of Transportation
$3,063,695
Purchase and installation of a metal structure to provide cover to
vehicles; Intercity Bus Terminal Building; Operating assistance
Jacksonville Transportation Authority
$9,313,745
Purchase 9 low-floor 40ft. repl. buses; transit enhancement; Facility
Improvements; Bus shelter enhancements; Rehab/Renovation
Admin. & Maintenance buildings.; Cooling systems for buses; Park and ride lots; Bus shelters; Misc. Bus support equip.
Martin County Board of County Commissioners
$1,199,564
Administrative bldg./intermodal hub
Miami-Dade Transit Agency
$5,255,528
Purchase 3 30ft. shuttle buses; 2 30ft. mini-buses; 3 30ft. minibuses
for circulator bus routes; bus shelters; Operating Assistance
State Total
$27,559,854
Georgia
Cobb County Community Transit
$244,880
Additional funds for Cobb Community Transits paratransit facility and
Surveillance cameras.
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Agency
$2,260,703
Operating Assistance
Henry County Board of Commissioners
$120,000
Construction of a Lube Shop; misc. shop equip.
Georgia
Georgia Department of Transportation – Office of Intermodal Programs
$3,233,800
Purchase 1 40ft. replacement bus, 3 replacement buses and 2 expansion buses; bus refurbishing, fare collection equip., ITS equip., surveillance and sec. equip.
Georgia Regional Transportation Authority
$636,298
Operating Assistance
Georgia Department of Transportation – Office of Intermodal Programs
$4,887,532
Purchase 21 Vans, 13 Shuttle Buses, and 2 Intercity Buses. Bus
shelters; Computers systems, Automatic Vehicle Locator/Mobile
Data, Security cameras, Communications System; misc. shop equip; Bus terminals; multimodal facility
Chatham Area Transportation Authority
$449,039
Operating assistance
Cherokee County Commission
$4,761
Additional support to purchase Miscellaneous Communications
Equipment
Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners
$217,880
Operating assistance
State Total
$12,054,893
Iowa
Keyline Bus System, East Dubuque
$44,139
Purchase 4 Mobile Data Terminals
Des Moines Regional Transit Authority
$1,300,000
Purchase 5 replacement buses; Admin./Maintenance Facility.; Misc. shop equipment; Operating Assistance
State Total
$1,344,137
Idaho
Kootenai County
$720,202
Acquisition of 7 40ft. replacement buses; 6 30ft. replacement buses; 1 expansion bus.
State Total
$720,202
Illinois
City of DeKalb
$5,063
Purchase a new Radio system
Commuter Rail Division of Regional Transportation Authority
$122,165
Bridge rehabilitation and/or reconstruction on the Union Pacific North
Line
Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District
$1,250,493
Renovation of admin/maintenance facility
State of Illinois Dept. of Transportation
$9,725,615
Rural Transit Facility Improvements
State Total
$11,103,336
Indiana
City of Columbus/Columbus Transit
$888,815
Construction of Transfer Facility
Gary Public Transit Corporation
$725,000
Operating Assistance
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
$216,000
Centralized scheduling and dispatching center
City of Anderson
$1,550,513
Replace one 30ft. diesel bus; two replacement gas vans; three support
vehicles; operating assistance
City of Kokomo
$1,089,206
Transit Operations Control Center; 2 buses; operating
assistance
Indiana Department of Transportation
$7,644,142
Construction and renovation of administration/maintenance facilities
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
$1,669,770
Purchase 3 repl. vans, 1 expansion van; renovate bus station; miscellaneous bus support equip.; transit enhancements.
State Total
$13,783,446
Kansas
Kansas Department of Transportation
$4,552,177
Vehicles, Riley Co. Facility, Bus Shelters, Bus Stop Signs, Misc.
Equip
State Total
$4,552,177
Kentucky
Transit Authority of River City (Louisville)
$247,300
Purchase 2 replacement buses; 2 expansion buses and miscellaneous
support equip.
State Total
$247,300
Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
$6,049,867
Miscellaneous Equipment; 4 50 passenger Inter City Buses; Bus Storage Facilities.
St. Tammany Parish Government
$1,000,000
Construction of Hwy 434 Park & Ride.
State Total
$7,049,867
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
$13,900,000
Improvements to Ashmont Station.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
$1,565,804
Rural Operating Assistance, procurement of 2 45ft. intercity
coaches, 1 25ft. hybrid bus, AVL equipment, operating assistance.
Massachusetts
Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority
$199,947
Repair and Replacement of Ornamental Fencing at the Attleboro
Commuter Rail Station
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
$54,110,000
Operating Assistance and State of Good Repair Improvements to the
MBTA’s Rapid Transit Network
Southeastern Regional Transit Authority
$2,607,985
Operating Assistance and Procurement of 8 30ft. repl. buses
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
$90,000
Enhanced Security Camera System
State Total
$72,473,736
Maryland
Maryland Transit Administration (Baltimore)
$2,874,205
Additional funds for MARC Public Address System
Maryland Transit Administration (Rural areas)
$1,987,757
Purchase 3 replacement buses; 4 expansion buses
and 2 45ft. intercity buses
Maryland Transit Administration (Statewide)
$4,354,111
Facility renovations.; preventive maintenance; shop equipment, parking lot construction
Maryland Transit Administration (Baltimore)
$17,100,000
Bus Loop Pavement Reconstruction at MTA's Mondawmin Transit
Center; Heating and Ventilation upgrades; Light rail yard switches
upgrade; Replacement/Overhaul of 24 Light Rail Substation circuit
breakers
State Total
$26,316,073
Michigan
Michigan Department of Transportation
$167,820
Modify buses with mini-hybrid components.
Michigan Department of Transportation
$524,072
Purchase 1 replacement Van; 2 expansion vans; facility improvements; bus shelters; miscellaneous support equipment.
Detroit Department of Transportation
$18,875,500
Purchase 42 40ft. low-floor diesel replacement buses and 4 40ft.
low-floor hybrid electric replacement buses; operating assistance
Michigan Department of Transportation
$12,443,615
Purchase 3 40ft., 4 35ft., 5 30ft., 28 replacement buses; Facility
renovations; Miscellaneous support equipment; Operating Assist.
Ann Arbor Transportation Authority
$2,290,056
Renovate/improve a transfer center; Expand bus storage capacity;
Improve safety and accessibility of bus stops; Operating Assistance
Battle Creek Transit System
$318,8889
Construction of a new off-street bus island facility for Battle Creek
Transit`s buses
State Total
$34,619,952
Minnesota
Minnesota DOT Office of Transit
$510,000
Transit Hub/Park-n-Ride Lot
Red Wing,
Minnesota DOT Office of Transit
$600,000
Web Base Routing, Automatic Vehicle Locators, and Hardware.
Minnesota DOT Office of Transit
$1,380,588
Modify buses with mini-hybrid components.
State Total
$2,491,588
Missouri
Missouri Department of Transportation
$4,904,603
Construction of two facilities and purchase of two intercity vehicles
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
$1,820,424
Preventive Maintenance, Shelters and Operating Assistance.
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
$1,092,881
City of Lee Summit Commuter Lot Improvements
State Total
$7,817,908
Mississippi
City of Hattiesburg, Department of Urban Development
$492,447
Customer Service Kiosk; Route Match Software; GPS equipment;
Miscellaneous support equipment; operating assistance.
State Total
$492,447
North Carolina
City of Fayetteville
$31,290
ADA accessible sidewalks.
City of High Point
$397,579
Operating Assistance & Misc Comm. Equipment
City of Greenville
$99,000
Surveillance equipment
Western Piedmont Regional Transit Authority
$138,568
Operating Assistance
Goldsboro/Wayne Transportation Authority
$90,000
Operating Assistance
Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority
$138,568
Operating Assistance
Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation
$2,553,823
Park and Ride lots; Purchase 3 40ft. expansion buses and 2 expansion buses
North Carolina Department of Transportation
$8,081,515
Purchase 10 40ft. buses; 13 park and ride lot facilities.; construct 2 Administrative Buildings; Bus Storage lot; Renovate facility; signage
State Total
$11,530,343
Nebraska
Nebraska Department of Roads
$4,629,554
Construction of Six Maintenance/Admin. Facilities
State Total
$4,629,554
New Hampshire
Manchester Transit Authority
$92,282
Operating Assistance/24 Bus Bicycle Racks
Greater Derry-Salem Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation
$14,975
Operation Assistance
Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation
$67,282
Operating Assistance
University of New Hampshire
$38,000
Dispatch/fleet communications system; New upgraded radios;
miscellaneous support equip.
City of Nashua
$67,282
Operating Assistance
New Hampshire Department of Transportation
$502,769
Purchase 1 replacement bus; 1 expansion bus; additional
funding admin./maintenance facility miscellaneous equipment; operating
assistance
State Total
$782,590
New Jersey
New Jersey Transit Corporation
$52,403,812
Purchase 114 expansion buses; track renovations; Intermodal
Terminals; signal systems misc. support equip.
State Total
$52,403,812
Nevada
Nevada Department of Transportation
$2,060,188
Purchase 2 replacement buses, 1 commuter replacement
bus; Miscellaneous support equip.
State Total
$2,060,188
New York
Tompkins County
$2,175,000
Purchase 6 40ft. replacement buses; surveillance and sec. equip.
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority
$5,748,905
Purchase 14 40ft. CNG replacement buses
Chemung County Transit System
$460,000
Purchase 1 40ft. Bus and Scheduling Software
New York
New York State DOT
$3,245,850
Purchase 20 replacement buses; 1 35ft. expansion bus; intercity replacement buses; Bus Passenger Shelters; Misc Support
Equipment; Bus Route Signs.
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority
$4,396,596
Rail repair and rehab work at 5 stations
Orange County
$1,686,778
Operating Assistance
City of Poughkeepsie
$1,400,154
Design/Engineer work for transit hub project; Miscellaneous Communication equip.;
Misc. electric/power equip.; mobile fare collection equip.; prev.
maintenance. operating assistance.
Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority
$6,351,718
Purchase 8 40ft. low-floor/heavy-duty diesel transit buses;
Renovation of RTS Campus Facility.
Central New York Regional Transportation Authority
$168,550
Purchase and install 21 replacement bus passenger shelters
State Total
$25,633,551
Ohio
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
$9,346,772
Operating Assistance and Track Rehab
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
$1,022,509
Station Rehab & Track Upgrades
Central Ohio Transit Authority
$926,678
Paratransit/Small Bus Facility Construction
City of Middletown
$280,988
Operating Assistance, ADA Service, & Shelters
Portage Area Regional Transit Authority
$316,820
Renovation of Transit Maintenance and Storage Facility
Lorain County Transit Board
$11,532
Operating Assistance
Greene County Transit Board
$704,997
Purchase 10 replacement buses; bus shelter and operating assistance.
Licking County Transit Board
$216,355
Purchase of 3 expansion buses, communication & security
equipment; bicycle racks for buses; resurfacing bus storage
area/parking lot
City of Newark
$394,392
Purchase 4 expansion buses; computer equipment & software;
operating assistance
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
$2,150,816
Purchase 3 replacement. buses; Operating Expenses; Tire Changer;
Preventive Maintenance; Rockefeller Bridge Demolition
Ohio Department of Transportion
$9,197,000
Transit Facilities
State Total
$24,568,859
Oklahoma
Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority
$3,950,000
Purchase 9 35ft. and 3 40ft. repl. buses; Rehab Admin./Maintenance.;
ADA Paratransit Svc.
City of Lawton
$17,501
Purchase One Van and Cost Under Runs
State Total
$3,967,501.00
Oregon
Tri-County Metropolitan Transit Distirct of Oregon (Portland)
$4,250,000
Construct the Willow Creek pocket track light rail line; Replace
underground storage tanks; Install wayside horns on commuter rail
line; Install replacement bicycle locker units
Lane Transit District (Eugene)
$64,678
500 bus stop signs and poles along bus routes
Salem Area Mass Transit District
$1,314,353
Operating Expenses and Transit Centers
Oregon Department of Transportation
$38,400,000
Purchase two high-speed passenger rail train sets for use in
commuter rail service
State Total
$44,029,031
Pennsylvania
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (Malvern)
$12,475,988
Renovations to SEPTA`s Malvern Station
Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority
$1,686,820
Preventive Maintenance & Security Equipment
Cumberland-Dauphin-Harrisburg Transit Authority
$2,035,039
Purchase four 40 ft. Buses and Bus Shelters
York County Transportation Authority
$2,430,794
Administrative/Maintenance Facility Property Acquisition
State Total
$18,628,641
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
$400,000
Construct Bus Shelters
Municipality of Gurabo
$650,000
ADA equip., communication equipment, security equip., prev. maintenance, operating
assistance
Municipality of Vega Alta
$325,000
Purchase of 4 cutaway small transit buses for Vega Alta Transit Expansion
Municipality of Humaco
$150,000
Roof replacement
Municipality of Juncos
$943,750
Purchase 3 expansion buses, (1) expansion van; Maintenance Facility
rehabilitation
Puerto Rico
Municipality of Camuy
$474,949
Purchase 2 20ft. repl. vans and 2 40ft. 25 passenger exp. trolleybuses;
preventative maintenance
Municipality of Guaynabo
$2,000,000
Purchase 8 35ft. expansion buses and 6 expansion buses; transit
stop signs; radio comm. equip.
Municipality of Hatillo
$400,000
Funds for the construction of Transit Terminal
Municipality of Villalba
$680,000
Purchase 8 vans and 2 small trolleys
Municipality of Arecibo
$675,000
2 Trolleys; 2 paratransit vehicles; 32 Shelters
Municipality of Dorado
$710,000
Purchase 3 24 passenger explanation buses; 2 paratransit 10 passenger cutaway small buses; installation of 8 passenger shelters and administration costs
Puerto Rico Ports Authority Development Department
$345,972
Completion of Ferry Terminal rehab/renovation; surveillance equipment; ticketing booth equipment
State Total
$7,754,671
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Department of Transportation
$253,273
Construction of Parking Garage and Station Platform for the Wickford
Junction Station Project
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
$8,756,686
Kennedy Plaza Bus Lane Renovation., Bus Shelter. Install./Rapid Bus
Program, Maintenance Facility Improvements; Operating Assistance
Rhode Island Department of Transportation
$4,100,000
Construction of Parking Garage and Station Platform for the Wickford
Junction Station Project
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
$238,972
Partial purchase of a low-floor hybrid electric propulsion bus
State Total
$13,348,931
South Carolina
City of Rock Hill
$410,000
Purchase 6 buses; Operating Assistance
South Carolina DOT
$604,111
IT communication equipment
City of Anderson
$109,622
Operating assistance and preventive maintenance
Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority
$1,155,912
Operating assistance; AVL; support equip.; preventive maintenance
South Carolina DOT
$4,345,000
Purchase 1 replacement bus and 4 cutaway replacement buses;
Renovation of maintenance facility;
State Total
$6,624,645
Tennessee
Tennessee DOT
$3,175,314
Purchase 23 intercity buses; ADA enhancements for vehicles, a ramp and bathroom; preventive maintenance, 3 intercity support vehicles; bus station support items; security/surveillance equip. computers and ITS equip.
Regional Transportation Authority (Nashville)
$1,900,000
Construct the Martha Station; Operating assistance
Metropolitan Transit Authority (Nashville)
$2,590,151
Facility Rehab
State Total
$7,665,465
Texas
City of Port Arthur
$1,159,928
Construct Bus Support Facility
Capital Metropolitan Transit Authority
$7,496,704
Purchase 7 buses; Operating Assistance; Pedestrian
Access/Walkways
City of Tyler
$776,031
Purchase 1 bus; Shelters, Renovate Bus Parking, Tyler Transit Depot
Improvements.
Via Metropolitan Transit Authority
$1,000,000
Purchase One 40Ft. replacement bus; Acquire P&R Lot
State Total
$10,432,663
Utah
Utah DOT
$1,088,016
Intercity Bus Service
State Total
$1,088,106
Virginia
City of Harrisonburg
$142,563
Operating Assistance, Security and Shop Equipment
Williamsburg Area Transit Authority
$350,000
Automatic Vehicle Locator
Transit District Hampton Roads
$1,000,000
Preventive Maintenance
City of Fredericksburg
$118,532
Operating Assistance
City of Danville
$699,042
Operating Assistance; Facility Rehab and Misc Equip for Danville
City of Charlottesville
$3,661,563
Purchase 4 Hybrid Vehicles; Operating Asst.; Shelters;
Amenities; Miscellaneous Equipment
City of Winchester
$150,000
Purchase new bus stop signs for fixed-route system and an
automatic stop announcement system for fixed-route fleet
Town of Blacksburg
$171,748
Operating Assistance for Blacksburg Transit
Greater Lynchburg Transit Company
$349,901
Operating Assistance, Benches, Computer Hardware & Software, Signs, Bus Washing Equip
Greater Roanoke Transit Company
$1,008,822
Operating Assistance & Misc Capital Projects
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
$4,940,400
Purchase 43 vans, 10 buses and 1 trolley bus and Miscellaneous Equipment for Rural Areas
City of Bristol
$106,260
Purchase 1 bus; 1 support vehicle; radios; computers; operating assistance
State Total
$12,698,831
Washington
Washington State DOT
$3,242,541
Vessel Preservation activities
State Total
$3,242,541
Wisconsin
Oshkosh Transit System
$29,877
Additional funds for the hybrid bus purchase program
Wisconsin DOT/Bureau of Transit
$8,830,634
Purchase 4 diesel buses;1 diesel bus;
16 gas buses; 1 diesel replacement bus; 15 replacement vans; 13 replacement sedan/station wagons; passenger bus shelters; bus
terminal; engineering/design of admin./maintenance facility;
Miscellaneous support equipment
State Total
$8,860,511
West Virginia
West Virginia DOT
$4,430,758
Purchase 4 replacement 40ft. buses; 7 vans; 9 support vehicles; shop equip.; facility improvements and operating assistance.
State Total
$4,430,758
Grand Total
$604,535,246
###
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Administration Officials, Elected Officials, Business and Community Leaders Discuss Clean Energy Economy Goals at White House Forum[ Mar 03, 2010 17:17 ] DOT 39-10
March 3, 2010
Contact: 202-366-4570
Administration Officials, Elected Officials, Business and Community Leaders Discuss Clean Energy Economy Goals at White House Forum
WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan joined other top Administration officials, state and local officials and business and community leaders at a Clean Energy Economy Forum.
The group discussed the need for comprehensive energy and climate legislation and opportunities to create jobs, expand business opportunities, and drive innovation and economic development by building more efficient, more livable communities. Administration officials also participated in a constructive dialogue with the attendees about their efforts which are spearheading our transition to a clean energy economy.
"I am thrilled to join Secretary LaHood today to discuss the investments President Obama and this Administration are making to lay the foundation for a clean energy economy America needs," said Secretary Donovan. "Clean energy is the key to unlocking the potential of America’s economy and our ability to create jobs and build the kind of strong, sustainable, inclusive communities our country needs to compete and prosper in the 21st century."
"Moving toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable America is an urgent priority for the Department of Transportation," said Secretary LaHood. "Our partnership with HUD and EPA will help us refocus our priorities on smart growth strategies that will help Americans lower their household transportation costs, improve air quality by lowering emissions, and reduce our dependence on oil. And we’ll spur the kind of economic activity that flows into communities when they focus on transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists alongside cars and trucks."
Top Obama Administration officials have held more than a dozen similar forums and the White House and around the country, including regional Clean Energy economy forums in Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington State.
END
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Department of Transportation DOT News Update[ Mar 03, 2010 11:00 ] You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
BTS 10-10
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568
BTS Releases North American Surface Trade Numbers for December:
December 2009 Surface Trade with Canada and Mexico Rose 10.5 Percent from December 2008
(State Rankings in Tables 5 and 7)
Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 10.5 percent higher in December 2009 than in December 2008, with a value of $58.5 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The increase was the first over the same month of the previous year since September 2008 but the value of trade in December still remained 4.0 percent below the value in December 2007.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 0.8 percent in December 2009 from November 2009. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.
U.S.–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $35.4 billion in December, up 7.8 percent compared to December 2008. U.S.–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $23.0 billion in December, up 15.0 percent compared to December 2008.
Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail, and pipeline. About 85 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves by land modes.
See BTS Transborder Data Release for summary tables, state rankings and additional data. See North American Transborder Freight Data for historic data.
-END- Secretary LaHood Applauds Passage of Highway Trust Fund Legislation[ Mar 02, 2010 21:20 ] DOT 38-10
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
Secretary LaHood Applauds Passage of Highway Trust Fund Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood tonight applauded the Senate for extending critical transportation funding that has been held up since last Friday, disrupting work for thousands of federal and transportation workers nationwide. Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning’s decision to block the legislation last week forced the DOT to furlough nearly 2,000 employees without pay Monday, temporarily shut down highway reimbursements to states worth hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as national anti-drunk driving efforts, and multi-million dollar construction projects across the country.
“I am pleased that the Senate has acted to break its logjam and extend the Highway Trust Fund for another 30 days,” said Secretary LaHood. “This means that our valued employees may return to work. It also means that their important work getting the economy back on its feet, ensuring Americans’ safety and keeping critical construction projects moving will be able to continue.”
Employees should return to work on Wednesday morning.
-END-
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Vice President Biden Announces States Meet Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Highway Dollars to Work[ Mar 01, 2010 12:46 ] For Immediate Release
Contact: 202-366-4570
March 1, 2010
Vice President Biden Announces States Meet Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Highway Dollars to Work
States Head Into Spring Construction Season with Over 12,000 Recovery Act Projects Funded, Nearly 7,800 Already Underway
CLERMONT, FL – At a Recovery Act construction site outside Orlando today, Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that every state and the District of Columbia met the March 2 Recovery Act deadline to “obligate” – or commit to specific projects – 100 percent of their highway Recovery funds. Once funds are obligated to a project, contracts can be bid, workers can be hired, equipment and supplies can be purchased and work can begin on construction projects that create jobs and drive economic growth. Every state met the target by February 26 and more than 30 of them did so at least a week ahead of schedule, putting a total of $26.6 billion to work on highway projects nationwide. Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood were joined at the event by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (FL).
“Construction projects across the country are already creating jobs and upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, but we’re just getting started,” said Vice President Biden. “Because these projects were funded on-time and, in many cases, under-budget, we’re going to be able to put even more people to work improving our highways just as the spring construction season kicks into high-gear.”
“I’ve been to Recovery projects all across the country, and I always hear the same thing from contractors – this work allows them to keep people working and hire new people, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Secretary LaHood. “The states have done a great job in getting all these projects out the door, but to create more jobs and continue strengthening the economy, we have more work to do.”
In just one year, funding from the Recovery Act has improved more than 33,000 miles of pavement across the United States. Of the more than 12,000 highway projects in all 50 states and the District of Columbia funded through the $26.6 billion Recovery Act investment in highway construction, almost 7,800 are underway – and activity on infrastructure projects like these is expected to ramp up even further this spring as the weather thaws and projects obligated over the winter break ground.
In addition, states around the country routinely received low bids that were 10 to 20 percent - and sometimes as much as 30 percent - below estimates. These lower than expected bids are allowing states to stretch taxpayer dollars, complete additional projects and create even more American jobs. For instance, last year Alabama used $37 million in ARRA funds to repave a crucial segment of I-59, a savings of 31 percent over the initial project estimate of $53.9 million. And in Alaska, the Glenn Highway resurfacing project was awarded at nearly 50 percent below the original project estimate.
The Vice President and Secretary LaHood made the announcement at the State Road 25/U.S. Highway 27 construction site in Clermont, FL, a Recovery project that is currently employing over 50 survey, design and construction workers. The $20 million project, which will run through December 2011, is expanding nearly four miles of the road from four lanes to six lanes, reducing congestion and improving commute times. Prince Construction, the contractor for the project, says that the Recovery Act project not only saved the jobs of its own employees, but nearly 60 percent of the funds will go toward hiring subcontractors and buying materials which will help stimulate the economy and put even more Floridians to work.
More than 800 miles of pavement across the state have already been improved thanks to the $1.3 million Recovery Act investment in Florida highway projects. Of the 588 highway construction projects funded in Florida, 308 of them are already underway.
"Without Recovery Act money, Florida's economy would certainly be in a much deeper hole," said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. "The faster we get going on new roads and high-speed rail, the better."
The one-year milestone comes only two weeks after ground was broken on the Dallas-Fort Worth Connector, the largest investment of ARRA highway funds - $250 million toward the overall $1.02 billion project cost. Several other major Recovery Act-funded projects under construction include:
I-4/Selmon Expressway in Tampa. Just today, construction begins on the $653 million I-4/Selmon Expressway Crosstown Connector in Tampa to provide direct access for the more than 12,000 commercial trucks that travel through the downtown to and from the Port of Tampa every day. The new Connector will alleviate congestion and create a quicker and easier way to get around for the city’s 340,000 residents. The project relies on $105 million in ARRA funding.
Nelsonville Bypass in Southeast Ohio. Ohio is constructing a new, 8.5 mile, four-lane highway to divert freight traffic from US 33, which bottlenecks in the town of Nelsonville. $138 million in Recovery funds are helping fund this final upgrade of the US 33 corridor in southeast Ohio that will take traffic off local roads, which carry 1,700 trucks a day on one of the busiest truck routes in the state.
Merritt Parkway, near Fairfield, Conn. $67 million in ARRA funding is improving safety for the estimated 60,000 drivers who use the Parkway daily by widening shoulders and installing or updating guard rails along 9.3 miles of one of the East Coast’s most congested commuter routes.
South Westnedge Avenue Interchange on I-94 near Kalamazoo, Mich. Last fall, ARRA fully funded this $47.7 million project to fully reconstruct the interchange to ease traffic congestion along this key Midwest corridor that serves an estimated 87,000 drivers daily. One more lane will be added in each direction to widen the road from four lanes to six, allowing cars and trucks to move through Kalamazoo more safely and easily.
RECOVERY ACT HIGHWAY PROJECT ACTIVITY BY STATE
State
Projects Funded
Projects Underway
Funds Obligated**
ALABAMA
320
129
$511,924,313
ALASKA
26
13
$170,461,487
ARIZONA
186
161
$520,911,019
ARKANSAS
114
81
$351,544,468
CALIFORNIA
907
438
$2,542,150,125
COLORADO
102
63
$385,324,130
CONNECTICUT
137
37
$299,253,956
DELAWARE
32
27
$121,828,650
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
15
12
$123,507,842
FLORIDA
588
308
$1,345,151,413
GEORGIA
361
150
$901,585,680
HAWAII
23
13
$125,746,380
IDAHO
74
63
$178,878,631
ILLINOIS
747
505
$935,592,704
INDIANA
1087
818
$657,727,707
IOWA
233
213
$357,623,007
KANSAS
144
63
$347,817,167
KENTUCKY
107
36
$420,139,347
LOUISIANA
108
51
$429,859,427
MAINE
72
72
$130,752,032
MARYLAND
169
98
$413,934,777
MASSACHUSETTS
84
40
$378,205,755
MICHIGAN
716
462
$846,598,715
MINNESOTA
204
147
$505,264,177
MISSISSIPPI
169
68
$354,564,343
MISSOURI
328
200
$637,121,984
MONTANA
82
67
$211,793,391
NEBRASKA
121
64
$231,739,279
NEVADA
69
18
$201,352,460
NEW HAMPSHIRE
34
29
$129,440,556
NEW JERSEY
161
46
$651,774,480
NEW MEXICO
92
35
$252,644,377
NEW YORK
442
326
$943,968,723
NORTH CAROLINA
381
304
$730,409,684
NORTH DAKOTA
162
118
$167,146,497
OHIO
388
209
$918,827,030
OKLAHOMA
275
178
$464,655,225
OREGON
315
245
$271,625,676
PENNSYLVANIA
303
279
$1,027,679,012
RHODE ISLAND
63
59
$137,095,725
SOUTH CAROLINA
173
105
$463,081,483
SOUTH DAKOTA
51
33
$186,877,359
TENNESSEE
316
288
$572,201,043
TEXAS
450
320
$2,233,015,146
UTAH
114
97
$213,545,653
VERMONT
70
42
$125,791,291
VIRGINIA
136
22
$646,030,364
WASHINGTON
212
171
$491,589,894
WEST VIRGINIA
145
105
$210,852,204
WISCONSIN
398
308
$529,111,915
WYOMING
65
60
$157,616,058
TOTAL
12,071
7,796
$26,163,333,761
**The $26.1 billion reflects the amount obligated by states prior to funds transferred to other DOT agencies. The full amount states obligated was $26.6 billion.
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. USDOT Furloughs to Shut Down Critical Construction Projects[ Mar 01, 2010 06:00 ] DOT 36-10
Monday, March 1, 2010
Contact: 202-366-4570
USDOT Furloughs to Shut Down Critical Construction Projects
Secretary LaHood Denounces Political Games During Tough Economic Times
The Department of Transportation will furlough nearly 2,000 employees without pay Monday, temporarily shutting down highway reimbursements to states worth hundreds of millions of dollars, national anti-drunk driving efforts, and multi-million dollar construction projects across the country.
The action comes as a result of Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning’s decision to block key legislation that would have extended several critical priorities for middle class families. That legislation covered tax credits for COBRA health coverage, unemployment insurance for 400,000 people, as well as the short-term extension of the Highway Trust Fund. The Fund supports all surface transportation programs for the nation – highways, bridges, transit and safety inspections, as well as efforts to encourage seat belt use and to fight distracted and impaired driving.
“As American families are struggling in tough economic times, I am keenly disappointed that political games are putting a stop to important construction projects around the country,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This means that construction workers will be sent home from job sites because federal inspectors must be furloughed.”
Because of the shutdown, federal inspectors will be removed from critical construction projects, forcing work to come to a halt on federal lands. Projects span the country, including the $36 million replacement of the Humpback Bridge on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia, $15 million in bridge construction and stream rehabilitation in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, and the $8 million resurfacing of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi. A full list of the FHWA construction projects affected by the furlough is below.
At the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the furloughs will disrupt safety programs that operate in partnership with the states and advocacy groups, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The programs are designed to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities totaling 37,000 a year in areas including distracted driving, child passenger safety and motorcycle safety. Activities affected include national media and enforcement campaigns such as “Click It or Ticket,” and “Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”
Assistance to consumers whose goods are held hostage by rogue moving companies will be unavailable during this period. And work addressing texting while driving for commercial truck and bus drivers, electronic on-board recorders and hours of service will also be suspended.
Employees at the Department of Transportation should report for work Monday morning as they normally would unless given specific alternate instructions. Furloughs will affect employees funded by the Highway Trust Fund at the following agencies: the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.
Employees may find more information about the furloughs and when they will be able to return to work at www.dot.gov, as well as Secretary LaHood’s blog, Fast Lane, at www.fastlane.dot.gov. Information will also be available at Secretary LaHood’s twitter account, www.twitter.com/RayLaHood, and at his facebook page, www.facebook.com/sec.lahood.
Federal Lands Construction Affected By Furlough
State
Project
Cost
Alaska
Tongass National Forest road clean up
$1,100,000
Alaska
Coffman Cove Dock construction
$885,000
Arizona
Coronado National Monument main park entrance
$1,500,000
Arkansas
East Fly Gap and Gunner Pool Roads landslides restoration
$923,000
California
Sequoia National Park main entrance
$15,000,000
California
South Fork Smith River
$13,800,000
California
Golden Gate National Recreation Area road construction
$8,700,000
District of Columbia
9th Street Bridge replacement
$50,000,000
Georgia
Chicakamauga & Chattanogga National Military Park constrution
$634,000
Idaho
Salmon River Road Nez Perce National Forest consctruction
$20,133,000
Idaho
Little Salmon River Bridge Nez Perce National Forest intersection
$3,800,000
Idaho
Fernan Lakes Idaho Panhandle National Forest
$14,600,000
Illinois
McRraven Road reconstruction
$1,100,000
Maryland
Great Falls Park entrance road construction
$3,100,000
Maryland
Piscataway National Park erosion and slope damage repair
$89,000
Mississippi
Natchez Trace Parkway resurfacing
$8,100,000
Mississippi
Natchez Trace Parkway trail construction (Ridgeland County)
5,600,000
Mississippi
Vicksburg National Military Park road rehabilitation and resurfacing
$5,000,000
Mississippi
Natchez Trace Parkway trail construction (Madison County)
$4,700,000
New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Monument roadway rehabilitation
$9,000,000
North Carolina
Newfound Gap road rehabilitation
$9,900,000
North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway reconstruction and resurfacing
$6,000,000
North Carolina
Goshen Creek Bridge replacement
$3,000,000
Ohio
Fitzwater Road bridges replacement
$4,400,000
Oregon
Beaver Creek Road Ochoco National Forest
$6,200,000
South Carolina
Ft. Sumter Historic Site entrance road and parking area rehabilitation
$262,000
Tennessee
Cades Cove Loop Road rehabilitation
$6,700,000
Tennessee
Shilo National Park tour roads and parking area rehabilitation
$3,000,000
Tennessee
Catossa Wildlife Management Area bridge replacement
$1,000,000
Utah
Bear River Access Road
$13,800,000
Virginia/DC
George Washington Parkway Humpback Bridge replacement
$36,000,000
Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway reconstruction and resurfacing
$12,000,000
Virginia
Petersburg Park tour road relocation
$1,500,000
Puerto Rico
Vieques National Wildlife Refuge road and bridge reconstruction
$6,000,000
Puerto Rico
El Yonque National Forest slide repair
$3,000,000
U.S. Virgin Islands
Christiansted Bypass construction
$14,000,000
U.S. Virgin Islands
Centerline Road reconstruction
$9,000,000
U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John roundabout construction
$7,200,000
U.S. Virgin Islands
Long Bay Road reconstruction
$5,500,000
U.S. Virgin Islands
University of Virgin Island sidewalk construction
$988,000
U.S. Virgin Islands
North Shore Road reconstruction
$448,000
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Awards Nearly $10 Million in Training Grants for Minority and Women Owned Businesses[ Feb 25, 2010 12:05 ] DOT 33-10
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Contact: Doug Hecox
Tel: 202-366-0660
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Awards Nearly $10 Million
in Training Grants for Minority and Women Owned Businesses
Federal Aid to Help Disadvantaged Businesses in 33 States
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $9.9 million in grants to provide training and other services to minority- and women-owned businesses in 33 states to help them compete for highway contracts.
“The U.S. Department of Transportation has an excellent history of reaching out to small businesses owned by women, veterans and minorities,” said Secretary LaHood. “Nearly half the contracts we award each year go to these types of firms.”
The “Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Supportive Service (DBE/SS)” grants are part of an ongoing federal effort to help state departments of transportation train certified DBE firms on subjects ranging from contract and business management, to procurement assistance and how to secure bonding. The goal of the program is to help them successfully compete for federal highway projects.
“By helping small businesses like DBEs, this program enriches the competition for federal highway contracts,” said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. “More vigorous competition not only results in lower costs to taxpayers for roads and bridges, but more jobs for workers.”
A DBE is a for-profit, small business owned by minorities, women or economically disadvantaged individuals or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals. The daily business operations must be controlled by at least one of the socially and economically disadvantaged owners.
In 1982, FHWA began promoting the participation of DBEs in federal-aid highway contracts through the development of state-run supportive services programs. “Supportive services” are those activities that are designed to contribute to the growth and eventual self-sufficiency of DBEs so they may improve their ability to compete for federal highway contracts and subcontracts.
For more information about FHWA’s DBE program, visit http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/civilrights/dbe_program_i.htm.
The 2010 DBE/SS award recipients include the following:
State
Allocation Amount
Alabama
$384,312
Alaska
$158,920
Arizona
$417,468
Arkansas
$198,999
California
$867,114
Colorado
$294,573
Connecticut
$257,904
Florida
$279,353
Georgia
$235,658
Idaho
$ 86,604
Illinois
$806,481
Indiana
$474,458
Kansas
$154,651
Louisiana
$322,525
Maine
$ 96,325
Massachusetts
$201,662
Michigan
$419,766
Minnesota
$883,718
Montana
$230,862
Nevada
$231,730
New York
$418,686
Ohio
$331,836
Oklahoma
$ 30,930
Pennsylvania
$335,179
Puerto Rico
$ 65,199
South Dakota
$ 81,925
Tennessee
$417,247
Texas
$220,929
Utah
$138,112
Vermont
$154,651
Washington
$170,911
West Virginia
$384,219
Wyoming
$126,014
Total Allocation
$9,878,921
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Meets Iraq’s Transport Minister and Signs Memorandum of Cooperation[ Feb 24, 2010 11:10 ] DOT 32-10
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Contact: Lori Irving
Tel.: 202-366-4570
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Meets Iraq’s Transport Minister and Signs Memorandum of Cooperation
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood met Iraq’s Minister of Transport Amer Abdul-Jabbar Ismael yesterday for a historic signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation to promote cooperation in all areas of transportation.
“Reliable and safe transportation is essential to sustain any country’s economy,” Secretary LaHood said. “I look forward to working with Minister Amer Ismael as Iraq further develops and improves its transportation system.”
The meeting marked the first visit by an Iraqi Minister of Transportation to the United States in over 20 years. Iraq's Transport Minister was in the United States leading a delegation that visited U.S. civil aviation and maritime port facilities as well as holding meetings with government and industry aviation officials.
The signing of the MOC is instrumental in facilitating cooperation in transportation. Cooperation will take place through the exchange of scientific and technical information on subjects of mutual interest; the exchange of specialists, delegations, scientific and technical personnel; joint organization of symposia, seminars, and other meetings; and joint research in transportation science and technology.
END
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Department of Transportation DOT News Update[ Feb 23, 2010 10:32 ] You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Department of Transportation DOT News Update[ Feb 22, 2010 11:23 ] You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
DOT 31-10
Monday, February 22, 2010
Contact: Karen Aldana
Tel: 202-366-9550
New Sample Bill will Aid States in Banning Texting While Driving
Sample Bill Supported by Auto and Wireless Industries and the Safety Community
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today unveiled sample legislation to be used as a starting point for states crafting new laws to prohibit texting while behind-the-wheel, the latest step in the campaign against distracted driving.
The sample state law, prepared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a cross-section of safety and industry organizations, would authorize law enforcement officers to stop a vehicle and issue a citation to drivers who are texting while driving.
"Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening practice," said Secretary LaHood. “This language, which we created with a variety of safety organizations, is another powerful tool in our arsenal to help the states combat this serious threat.”
There is heightened concern about the risks of texting while driving because texting combines three types of distraction – visual, taking the eyes off the road; manual, taking the hands off the wheel; and cognitive, taking the mind off the road.
According to NHTSA research, nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Research also shows that the most frequent offenders are the youngest and least-experienced drivers, men and women under 20 years of age.
"Our top priority is safety and we are determined to help the states eradicate the dangerous practice of texting while driving," said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The sample state law is patterned on the Executive Order issued by President Obama on October 1, 2009, directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment. Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30, 2009.
In addition, on January 26, Secretary LaHood announced federal guidance to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.
Secretary LaHood announced the department’s plan to pursue this regulatory action at the Distracted Driving Summit he convened in September 2009. The department recently launched a federal website, www.distraction.gov, as a forum and information clearinghouse. Distraction.gov is a source of comprehensive information on distracted driving.
Currently, nineteen States and the District of Columbia have texting laws covering all drivers. In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by State legislatures and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010.
Click here to see the sample bill and the groups that participated in drafting it.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Rulemaking/Texting_Law_021910.pdf
-END- Department of Transportation DOT News Update[ Feb 22, 2010 11:16 ] You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
BTS 09-10
Monday, February 22, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568
BTS Releases December Passenger Airline Employment Data;
December 2009 Employment Down 3.3 Percent from December 2008
U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 3.3 percent fewer workers in December 2009 than in December 2008, the 18th consecutive decrease in full-time equivalent employee (FTE) levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today. FTE calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the December FTE total of 379,100 for the scheduled passenger carriers was 12,900 below December 2008 and the lowest total for any month since 1993. Historic employment data can be found on the BTS web site.
Six of the seven network airlines decreased employment from December 2008 to December 2009. Delta Air Lines, which is completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, was the lone network carrier to increase employment. Network airlines operate a significant portion of their flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.
Low-cost carriers Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines also reported decreases from December 2008. Regional carriers American Eagle Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Comair, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Pinnacle Airlines, Horizon Air, Mesa Airlines, Air Wisconsin Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, PSA Airlines and Colgan Airlines also reported reduced employment levels compared to last year.
Scheduled passenger airline categories include network, low-cost, regional and other airlines.
The seven network airlines employed 258,100 FTEs in December, 68.1 percent of the passenger airline total, while low-cost carriers employed 16.5 percent and regional carriers employed 13.9 percent.
See BTS Passenger Airline Employment press release for summary tables and additional data.
### BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI)[ Feb 18, 2010 11:37 ] BTS 08-10
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568
BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI);
Freight Index was Unchanged in December from November
The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) was unchanged in December from its November level, after one monthly increase, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that though the Freight TSI declined 4.1 percent during 2009 the index increased 2.9 percent over the last seven months of the year, beginning in June. For additional historical data, go to http://www.bts.gov/xml/tsi/src/index.xml
The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.
The December Freight TSI of 96.2 is a 2.9 percent increase from the recent low of 93.5 reached in May. In May, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 14.8 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006.
See Freight TSI Press Release for summary tables and additional data. See Transportation Services Index for historic data and methodology.
END
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Updated contact info for TIGER Grant Releases[ Feb 17, 2010 12:22 ] You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary LaHood Announces Funding for Over 50 Innovative, Strategic Transportation Projects through Landmark Competitive TIGER Program[ Feb 17, 2010 10:42 ] DOT 30-10
February 17, 2010
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel.: 202-366-4570
Secretary LaHood Announces Funding for Over 50 Innovative, Strategic Transportation Projects through Landmark Competitive TIGER Program
Recovery Act-Funded Projects Will Create Jobs, Spur Lasting Economic Growth
KANSAS CITY, MO - One year to the day after President Obama signed the historic American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will announce Recovery Act awards to states, tribal governments, cities, counties and transit agencies across the country to fund 51 innovative transportation projects.
The TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program was included in the Recovery Act to spur a national competition for innovative, multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional transportation projects that promise significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, a region or the nation. Projects funded with the $1.5 billion allocated in the Recovery Act include improvements to roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities.
In an overwhelming show of demand for the program, the U.S. Department of Transportation was flooded with more than 1,400 applications from all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia requesting funding for almost $60 billion worth of projects – 40 times the amount available through the program.
“TIGER grants will tackle the kind of major transportation projects that have been difficult to build under other funding programs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This will help us meet the 21st century challenges of improving the environment, making our communities more livable and enhancing safety, all while creating jobs and growing the economy.”
The projects announced today will create jobs and spur lasting economic growth, reduce gridlock for the traveling public, and provide Americans with more safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation choices. They will also help factories, farms and businesses across the U.S. move goods more efficiently and better compete in the global economy. Sixty percent of the funding will go to economically distressed areas, which are home to 39 percent of the U.S. population.
Awardees were selected based on their contribution to economic competitiveness of the nation, improving safety and the condition of the existing transportation system, increasing quality of life, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrating strong collaboration among a broad range of participants, including the private sector.
Projects were funded in large cities as well as rural and tribal communities across the country and were selected based on merit. Selected projects represent some of the most innovative projects as well as multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are often overlooked by the existing funding system. The winning TIGER projects highlighted the diversity of transportation needs throughout the U.S. from grand Moynihan Station in New York City, which will carry millions of train and subway riders each year to “the most beautiful drive in America” – Wyoming’s Beartooth Highway – the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. They ranged from major billion dollar freight rail corridors in the Midwest and South, to bridge repairs in Oklahoma and South Carolina to port projects in Maine and Hawaii.
TIGER funds will also help construct the Union Passenger Terminal/Loyola Streetcar Loop in New Orleans, make safety improvements to a key highway in New Mexico Najavo country and spur economic growth in Appalachia through the Appalachian Regional Short Line Rail Project and the Gateway Project.
The U.S. Department of Transportation required rigorous economic justifications for projects more than $100 million and will require all recipients to report on their activities on a routine basis. A complete list of recipients can be viewed HERE.
END
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. NHTSA Launches Probe into Timeliness of Three Toyota Recalls[ Feb 16, 2010 13:21 ] DOT 29-10
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel: 202-366-4570
NHTSA Launches Probe into Timeliness of Three Toyota Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that it is using its statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner. Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to notify NHTSA within five days of determining that a safety defect exists and promptly conduct a recall.
"Safety recalls are very serious matters and automakers are required to quickly report defects," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
The auto safety agency is requiring Toyota to provide documents showing when and how it learned of the defects affecting approximately 6 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. The probe will examine how the manufacturer learned of these defects, such as through consumer complaints or factory testing. Investigators are also looking into whether Toyota discovered the problems during pre-production or post-production of the affected vehicles.
Officials are checking whether Toyota has covered all affected models in its recent recalls to ensure Toyota did not miss any problems. The agency will obtain information on production data, incidents, complaints, warranty complaints, copies of tests, dates of meetings, timelines, and supplier information.
The three recalls in question involve various Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Two of the recalls are related to the entrapment of gas pedals by floor mats. The first recall was announced on September 26, 2007 and was followed by a subsequent one on October 6, 2009. The October recall was expanded on January 29, 2010 to include additional vehicles. The third recall, involving sticking gas pedals, was announced on January 21, 2010. Please go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ for more information.
"Our top priority is safety and we expect that all manufacturers address automotive safety issues quickly and in a forthright manner," said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
NHTSA has the authority to seek civil penalties for a variety of violations by manufacturers, equipment suppliers, registered importers and vehicle customizers. If agency officials determine that an auto manufacturer violated its statutory obligations, the manufacturer could be liable for a maximum of $16.4 million in civil penalties.
END
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. BTS Releases November 2009 Airline Traffic Data; System Traffic Up 1.6 Percent from November 2008[ Feb 16, 2010 11:04 ] BTS 7-10
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568
BTS Releases November 2009 Airline Traffic Data; System Traffic Up 1.6 Percent from November 2008
The number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines in November 2009 increased by 1.6 percent from November 2008, increasing by 0.8 million to 54.9 million, the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today reported. November was the second month in the last three to show an increase from 2008 but last year’s numbers were already reduced from 2007. The November 2009 passenger total was 11.3 percent below November 2007.
BTS, a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, in a release of preliminary data, reported a record-high November passenger load factor of 78.9 percent. Airlines reduced capacity in November from a year earlier by 3.5 percent, measured by available seat-miles, contributing to the November load factor record.
U.S. airlines carried 2.1 percent more domestic passengers than in November 2008. International passengers on U.S. carriers decreased 2.3 percent. The domestic load factor of 79.2 percent in November 2009 was the highest ever for the month of November.
For the first 11 months of 2009, the number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines declined by 5.7 percent from the same period in 2008, dropping to 647.0 million, 38.9 million fewer than a year earlier, and the lowest January-to-November total since 2004. For historic numbers, see Traffic.
U.S. airlines carried 5.5 percent fewer domestic passengers and 6.8 percent fewer international passengers in the first 11 months of 2009 than during the same period in 2008.
See BTS Air Traffic Release for summary tables and additional data.
###
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. DOT Proposes Approval of oneworld Antitrust Immunity Application[ Feb 13, 2010 11:54 ] DOT 28-10
Contact: Bill Mosley
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
DOT Proposes Approval of oneworld Antitrust Immunity Application
The U.S. Department of Transportation today proposed to grant antitrust immunity to American Airlines and four international partners to form a global alliance.
Under the proposal, the airlines must agree to conditions to protect consumers and preserve competition.
If the decision is made final, American and its “oneworld” alliance partners British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Finnair and Royal Jordanian Airlines would be able to more closely coordinate international operations in transatlantic markets.
In today’s show-cause order, the Department tentatively found that granting antitrust immunity to the oneworld alliance would provide travelers and shippers with a variety of benefits, including lower fares on more routes, increased services, better schedules and reduced travel and connection times. The Department also said the proposed alliance would enhance competition around the world by creating competition with the existing Star Alliance and the SkyTeam alliance, which already have been granted immunity.
However, the Department also noted that the alliance could harm competition on select routes between between the United States and London’s Heathrow Airport, oneworld’s primary hub, where the availability of landing and takeoff slots is limited. As a condition of approval, the Department is proposing in its show-cause order that the applicants make four pairs of slots available to competitors for new U.S.-Heathrow service. The Department also would require changes to the agreement to ensure capacity growth, and require the carriers to submit traffic data and implement the proposed alliance within 18 months of a final decision.
Interested parties are invited to show cause why the proposed decision should not be made final. Objections are due in 45 days, and answers to objections 15 days afterward. Following the comment period, the Department will review all filings and then issue a final decision.
Today’s proposed decision, comments and other documents in the case are available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2008-0252.
END
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Department of Transportation DOT News Update[ Feb 12, 2010 11:20 ] You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, D.C.
www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm
News
DOT 27-10
Contact: Bill Mosley
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
Airline On-Time Performance Improves in 2009 as Rate of Mishandled Baggage Decreases
The nation’s largest airlines had an on-time performance rate in 2009 that was their best since 2003, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In addition, the report shows that the carriers’ rate of mishandled baggage last year was the lowest recorded since 2004.
According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 19 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 79.5 percent in 2009, an improvement over 2008’s rate of 76.0 and the best annual record since the 82.0 percent on-time rate of 2003. In addition, the carriers recorded a mishandled baggage rate of 3.91 per 1,000 passengers in 2009, an improvement over 2008’s 5.26 and the best mark for a calendar year since the rate of 4.91 recorded in 2004.
The monthly report also includes data on lengthy tarmac delays, flight cancellations and the causes of flight delays by the reporting carriers, airline bumping, and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division. This report also includes reports of incidents involving pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by U.S. carriers.
A news release on the report is available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot2710.htm. The full report is available at http://airconsumer.dot.gov/reports/index.htm. Detailed information on flight delays is available at http://www.bts.gov.
-END- Department of Transportation DOT News Update[ Feb 09, 2010 16:04 ] You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
DOT 26-10
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Contact: Sasha Johnson
Tel.: 202-689-4464
DOT Tentatively Grants Delta/US Airways Slot Waiver
The Department of Transportation announced today that it has tentatively decided to grant the waiver requested by Delta Air Lines and US Airways to allow the carriers to proceed with their proposed slot swap transaction at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The proposed waiver is contingent on the requirement that the airlines sell some of their slot interests to carriers with no or limited service at the two airports in order to lessen the harm to consumers that might otherwise result from the applicants' increased dominance at DCA and LGA.
DOT issued a notice today that describes in detail the transaction, the Department's tentative findings and its proposals to remedy potential harm to consumers. The notice provides 30 days for the public to comment on the transaction and the Department's tentative findings before the Department issues a final decision. The notice can be found here: http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#docketDetail?R=FAA-2010-0109.
-END-
U.S. Department of Transportation Responds to Third Toyota Recall[ Feb 09, 2010 06:47 ] DOT 25-10
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
U.S. Department of Transportation Responds to Third Toyota Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation learned today of a third Toyota recall involving 2010 Prius hybrids and Lexus HS 250h vehicles experiencing brake system problems. Some 2010 Camrys prone to brake fluid leaks have also been recalled.
“Last Thursday, NHTSA opened a formal investigation of 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles in response to consumer complaints about braking difficulties, and today, Toyota has acknowledged a safety defect,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “When I spoke with Toyota President Akio Toyoda last week, he assured me that his company takes U.S. safety concerns very seriously. The U.S. DOT will remain in constant communication with Toyota to hold them to that promise. In the meantime, if you are concerned about your car's braking performance, contact your Toyota dealer.”
The DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced last week that the agency is opening a formal investigation of the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump. The Office of Defects Investigation had received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred. Investigators have spoken with consumers and conducted pre-investigatory field work.
NHTSA recommends that owners contact Toyota dealers immediately if they notice changes in their braking performance.
Loss of braking is most likely to occur when traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump. If this occurs, the agency advises owners to continue to firmly press on the brake to stop the vehicle. As an extra precaution, drivers can leave extra stopping distance while awaiting their recall notice.
NHTSA is continuing its formal investigation into the Prius braking problem and remains in constant communication with Toyota to ensure all possible defects in these vehicles are addressed and remedied as quickly as possible. Currently, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred.
Today’s announcement marks the third recall announced by Toyota over the past few weeks. NHTSA advises owners of vehicles affected by any of the recalls to contact their local dealership if they detect a problem. For more information, consumers should visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov or call the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Department of Transportation DOT News Update[ Feb 09, 2010 06:42 ] DOT 25-10
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
U.S. Department of Transportation Responds to Third Toyota Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation learned today of a third Toyota recall involving 2010 Prius hybrids and Lexus HS 250h vehicles experiencing brake system problems. Some 2010 Camrys prone to brake fluid leaks have also been recalled.
“Last Thursday, NHTSA opened a formal investigation of 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles in response to consumer complaints about braking difficulties, and today, Toyota has acknowledged a safety defect,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “When I spoke with Toyota President Akio Toyoda last week, he assured me that his company takes U.S. safety concerns very seriously. The U.S. DOT will remain in constant communication with Toyota to hold them to that promise. In the meantime, if you are concerned about your car's braking performance, contact your Toyota dealer.”
The DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced last week that the agency is opening a formal investigation of the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump. The Office of Defects Investigation had received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred. Investigators have spoken with consumers and conducted pre-investigatory field work.
NHTSA recommends that owners contact Toyota dealers immediately if they notice changes in their braking performance.
Loss of braking is most likely to occur when traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump. If this occurs, the agency advises owners to continue to firmly press on the brake to stop the vehicle. As an extra precaution, drivers can leave extra stopping distance while awaiting their recall notice.
NHTSA is continuing its formal investigation into the Prius braking problem and remains in constant communication with Toyota to ensure all possible defects in these vehicles are addressed and remedied as quickly as possible. Currently, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred.
Today’s announcement marks the third recall announced by Toyota over the past few weeks. NHTSA advises owners of vehicles affected by any of the recalls to contact their local dealership if they detect a problem. For more information, consumers should visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov or call the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Department of Transportation Addresses Toyota Safety Issues[ Feb 04, 2010 09:30 ] DOT 22-10
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
Department of Transportation Addresses Toyota Safety Issues
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced that it is opening a formal investigation of the Toyota Prius Hybrid MY 2010 to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred. Investigators have spoken with consumers and conducted pre-investigatory field work.
“Safety is our top priority,” said Secretary LaHood. “That is why in recent weeks NHTSA has also issued a consumer advisory on the recall of several models of Toyota vehicles and the Pontiac Vibe involving pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. We will continue to monitor these issues closely.”
Late Wednesday, Secretary LaHood spoke with Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, who reassured him that Toyota takes U.S. safety concerns seriously and puts safety at the top of the company’s priorities.
Consumer complaints about possible safety problems are one of NHTSA’s most important sources of information about vehicles. Officials review each one within a single business day and analyze the information to ensure trends are detected early.
Of the 100 investigations NHTSA opens every year, there are currently 40 open defect investigations, three of which involve Toyota. NHTSA has the most active defect investigation program in the world, opening or closing an investigation almost every week. Over the last three years, NHTSA’s defect and compliance investigations have resulted in 524 recalls involving 23.5 million vehicles.
NHTSA is advising owners of vehicles affected by recent Toyota recalls to contact their local dealership if they detect a problem. For more information, consumers should visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov or call the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
END
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