Search Results for keywords:"U.S. Department of Transportation"

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is announcing a public meeting of the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC). The meeting is scheduled for November 17-18, 2021, and will be held virtually or at the DOT headquarters, depending on COVID-19 guidelines. The event is open to the public with prior RSVP required due to limited space, and it provides a platform for discussions on topics like emergency services personnel safety and updates from federal initiatives in emergency services. The public can also register to provide comments during the meeting, and written materials may be submitted for consideration.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a temporary change to its drug testing rules. Currently, rules require oral fluid tests in some situations, but because the necessary laboratories are not certified, these tests can't be performed yet. The new rule aims to temporarily allow directly observed urine tests instead until oral fluid testing becomes available. This interim rule will only be in place until the required facilities and procedures for oral fluid testing are established.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a new rule aimed at improving air travel for people with disabilities who use wheelchairs. This rule strengthens regulations to prevent mishandling of wheelchairs and improper transfers, thus ensuring safety and dignity for wheelchair users. Airlines are now required to provide better assistance, offer loaner wheelchairs with customizations, and communicate effectively with passengers if their wheelchairs are mishandled. Additionally, the rule mandates annual hands-on training for airline staff and requires airlines to publish information about cargo hold dimensions to better inform passengers about their travel options.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is inviting public comments on its proposal to renew the information collection related to Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) operations. This is required for aircraft operators flying outside the U.S. when their aircraft are not equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS-B) Out. The FAA estimates processing around 856 initial applications and 1,998 updates annually, with an estimated total annual burden of approximately 13,813 hours. Comments on aspects such as the necessity and effectiveness of the information collection are welcome until March 16, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program for fiscal year 2021. This program provides federal financial assistance to important transportation projects, focusing on enhancing highway and freight infrastructure of national or regional importance. Key objectives for project selection include promoting economic growth, addressing climate change, advancing racial equity, and encouraging innovation. The deadline for submitting applications through the Grants.gov platform is March 19, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released a draft plan for the National Multimodal Freight Network (NMFN), which includes 175,000 miles of infrastructure like highways, railways, and waterways. This draft is based on feedback from stakeholders and aims to improve freight movement efficiency and connectivity. The department is seeking public comments on this draft, especially from state and local governments, community groups, and industry stakeholders, before the network is officially finalized. The plan also encourages states to propose further additions to the network, focusing on economic and environmental goals.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, announced a virtual public meeting of the Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee on March 3-4, 2021. The meeting aims to facilitate communication among lithium battery manufacturers, air carriers, and the federal government, to discuss and improve the safety of transporting lithium batteries. Members of the public interested in attending or speaking need to register and submit requests by February 17, 2021. The agenda will cover topics such as the effectiveness of transportation regulations, new safety technologies, and potential U.S. positions at international forums.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it will delay enforcement of a rule that increases compensation limits for passengers denied boarding and mishandled baggage by airlines. Originally effective January 22, 2025, enforcement is postponed until March 20, 2025. This delay allows time for officials appointed by the President to ensure the rule aligns with legal and policy guidelines. The rule involves changes to increase denied boarding compensation to $1,075 and $2,150, and mishandled baggage compensation to $4,700.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public feedback on potential new rules to protect airline passengers from financial losses caused by flight disruptions. These rules could require airlines to provide cash compensation, free rebooking, and amenities like meals and lodging when flights are significantly delayed or canceled due to reasons within the airline's control. The DOT is also considering how to ensure passengers quickly receive accurate information about their rights and options in these situations. The goal is to offer clear and automatic processes for passengers to obtain compensation and services, especially for travelers with disabilities who may face additional challenges.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced the schedule for public meetings and site visits related to the decommissioning and disposition of the Nuclear Ship Savannah (NSS). These activities are part of a compliance process with the National Historic Preservation Act and involve a group known as the Peer Review Group (PRG), which includes various officials and stakeholders. The public meetings will provide an opportunity for community input, while site visits offer a chance to learn more about the NSS. MARAD encourages public participation and has provided details on meeting and site visit logistics.