Secretary LaHood: Wyoming Becomes the 20th State to Ban Texting While Driving[ Mar 11, 2010 12:05 ]

DOT 47-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact:  Karen Aldana
Tel.:  202-366-9550 Secretary LaHood: Wyoming Becomes the 20th State to Ban Texting While Driving
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today applauded Wyoming for becoming the 20th state to enact a statewide ban prohibiting drivers from texting while behind-the-wheel.  The new ban will allow law enforcement officials to ticket anyone caught texting while driving in Wyoming. "Wyoming has taken an important step to eliminate distracted driving," said Secretary LaHood. "Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is dangerous to the driver doing it and all of those around them.” According to research by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured.

In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by state legislatures and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010. 
On February 22, Secretary LaHood unveiled sample legislation developed by NHTSA to be used as a starting point for crafting new state laws to prohibit texting while behind-the-wheel.

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 that regulatory action at the Distracted Driving Summit he convened in September 2009.  The department recently launched a federal website, distraction.gov, as a forum and information clearinghouse.    You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

BTS Releases December 2009 Airline Traffic Data[ Mar 11, 2010 11:05 ]

BTS 12-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568                  BTS Releases December 2009 Airline Traffic Data;
System Traffic Down 0.6 Percent from December 2008 The number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines in December 2009 decreased by 0.6 percent from December 2008, decreasing by 0.4 million to 57.0 million, the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today reported.  The December 2009 passenger total was 6.2 percent below that of December 2007. BTS, a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, in a release of preliminary data, reported that U.S. airlines carried 0.7 percent fewer domestic passengers in December 2009 than in December 2008. The number of international passengers on U.S. carriers increased 0.3 percent.  The system, domestic and international load factors in December 2009 were all the highest ever for the month of December. For the full year 2009, the number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines declined by 5.3 percent from 2008, dropping to 703.9 million, 39.4 million fewer than a year earlier, and the lowest annual total since 2004. For historic numbers, see Traffic on the BTS website. The full-year system load factor of 80.4 percent and the domestic load factor of 81.1 were annual record highs. For the year, U.S. airlines carried 5.2 percent fewer domestic passengers and 6.3 percent fewer international passengers in 2009 than 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.

Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low - Calendar Year 2009 Traffic Fatalities Continue Record Downward Trend[ Mar 11, 2010 07:22 ]

DOT 46-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact:  Karen Aldana
Tel:  202-366-9550 Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low
Calendar Year 2009 Traffic Fatalities Continue Record Downward Trend The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that the number of overall traffic fatalities reported at the end of 2009 reached the lowest level since 1954, declining for the 15th consecutive quarter. According to early projections, the fatality rate, which takes into account the  number of miles traveled, reached the lowest level ever recorded. “This is exciting news, but there are still far too many people dying in traffic accidents,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Drivers need to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their focus on the road in order to stay safe.” The projected fatality data for 2009 places the highway death count at 33,963, a drop of 8.9 percent as compared to the 37,261 deaths reported in 2008. The fatality rate for 2009 declined to the lowest on record, to 1.16 fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) down from 1.25 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2008. “This continuing decline in highway deaths is encouraging, but our work is far from over,” said National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland. “We want to see those numbers drop further. We will not stop as long as there are still lives lost on our nation’s highways. We must continue our efforts to ensure seat belts are always used and stay focused on reducing distracted and impaired driving.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes the decline in 2009 to a combination of factors that include, high visibility campaigns like Click It or Ticket  to increase seat belt use, and Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest which helps with the enforcement of state laws to prevent drunk driving and distracted driving. In addition, the decline is also the result of safer roads, safer vehicles and motorists driving less. NHTSA annually collects crash statistics from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to produce annual reports on traffic fatality trends.  The agency intends to update 2009 estimates regularly as more data becomes available. The final counts for 2009 will be made available in the summer of 2010.  To view the preliminary fatality statistics visit:  http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811291.PDF END You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI);[ Mar 10, 2010 11:40 ]

BTS 11-10
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen, Tel: 202-366-5568      
                                                                                                                   BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI); Freight Index Rose 0.4% in January from December   The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.4 percent in January from its December 2009 level, rising after the index was unchanged in December, 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 the Freight TSI index has risen 3.3 percent over the last eight months, starting in June. It has increased in six of the last eight months.  The index started 2010 with an increase in January, after having declined 4.1 percent during 2009 and 12.4 percent in two years. For additional historic 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 January Freight TSI of 96.6 is a 3.3 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 14.4 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. ###   You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

Airline On-Time Performance Improves in January[ Mar 09, 2010 11:33 ]

DOT 45-10   Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Contact:  Bill Mosley, Tel.: (202) 366-4570     Airline On-Time Performance Improves in January              The nation’s largest airlines had a higher on-time performance rate this past January than in both January 2009 and December 2009, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).  According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 18 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 78.7 percent in January, better than both January 2009’s 77.0 percent and December 2009’s 72.0 percent. Starting with this report, Northwest Airlines is no longer a ranked carrier, having merged in January with Delta Air Lines.  The monthly report also includes data on lengthy tarmac delays, flight cancellations and the causes of flight delays by the reporting carriers, mishandled baggage, 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 (insert link).  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-   You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

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
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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-
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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
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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 ]

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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.
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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.