Search Results for keywords:"Department of Transportation"

The U.S. Department of Transportation is hosting the Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award to encourage the development of innovative solutions to stop human trafficking. This award is open to U.S.-based individuals and organizations like NGOs and government bodies, offering a cash prize of up to $50,000 for the most impactful submission. Participants are encouraged to design creative tools, initiatives, or technologies that could have a significant impact against human trafficking within the transportation industry. Submissions are accepted from January 6, 2025, to March 7, 2025, and the winners will be selected based on factors such as technical merit, originality, impact, practicality, and scalability.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on a proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This request involves developing new metrics and standards to evaluate the performance of intercity passenger trains, like those operated by Amtrak. The FRA asks for comments on several aspects of this information collection, including its necessity, efficiency, and how it might be enhanced or simplified. Comments should be submitted by March 22, 2021, to ensure they are fully considered.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a notice regarding the collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice informs the public that the FRA is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an Information Collection Request (ICR) regarding hours of service regulations for railroad employees. The public is invited to comment on this request by March 31, 2025. The request seeks to continue collecting data related to train employee work schedules to ensure safe working conditions and reduce fatigue-related accidents.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

The Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $19.6 million in grants through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. These grants aim to enhance efficiency and quality in small shipyard operations, focusing on capital improvements and training for workers in shipbuilding-related industries. Applications for these grants are open until February 25, 2021, with strict eligibility criteria, including the requirement for shipyards to have fewer than 1,200 production employees. The program encourages the use of U.S.-produced goods and supports projects that aid rural areas and opportunity zones.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a final rule requiring remote identification for unmanned aircraft, including drones, in U.S. airspace. This rule addresses safety and security concerns by ensuring that unmanned aircraft provide identification and location information, making it easier to track and manage their operations. The rule outlines three ways for compliance: using a standard remote identification system, utilizing a broadcast module, or operating in specific areas recognized by the FAA. Compliance with this rule becomes mandatory by September 16, 2023, for all unmanned aircraft operations.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing a waiver for certain Buy America requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) for infrastructure projects in the Pacific Island territories and Freely Associated States, like Guam and American Samoa. This proposal recognizes the unique challenges these regions face, such as extended delivery times and high shipping costs for U.S.-produced goods due to their geographic isolation. If approved, the waiver, which aims to ease these burdens and support project completion, would be valid for five years, allowing exceptions where necessary for strategic security. DOT seeks public comments on this proposal by December 31, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing changes to how airline passenger data is collected and processed in the Origin-Destination Survey. These changes aim to modernize data collection by aligning it with current airline business practices, increasing the sample size to enhance the accuracy of data on smaller markets, and reducing the time delay before data is released. The proposal also intends to reduce administrative burdens for airlines by moving data reporting to the airline that issues the ticket and improving data accuracy with additional details like dwell times and total tax amounts. The department is seeking public comment on these proposed changes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a final rule updating the specifications for the Hybrid III 5th Percentile Female Test Dummy. These changes address issues with the chest jacket and spine box components, which are used in crash testing to ensure vehicle safety. The new specifications aim to resolve inconsistencies in jacket designs by adopting a standardized design and eliminating signal noise issues from the spine box. The rule is effective February 18, 2025, and is not expected to impose additional costs on vehicle manufacturers, as the replacement parts are already part of routine maintenance.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on its Information Collection Request (ICR) concerning railroad accident and incident reports. These reports are crucial for understanding collisions, derailments, and injuries involving railroads, which are submitted monthly by 765 railroads. The FRA aims to ensure the collection process is necessary, practical, and efficient, and is also seeking ways to reduce the burden on businesses. The public can submit their feedback by April 19, 2021, as part of the approval process with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).