transportation department

WATCH: Pete Buttigieg testifies in Senate confirmation hearing for Transportation secretary

By Hope Yen, Associated Press

President Joe Biden's nominee for secretary of transportation, Pete Buttigieg, will pledge to carry out the administration's ambitious agenda to rebuild the nation's infrastructure during a Senate hearing on Thursday.

Transportation Secretary Chao steps down

By Associated Press

Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao put out a statement today saying she is stepping down from her role in President Donald Trump's Cabinet less than two weeks before the end of his term. Her resignation will take effect Monday, Jan.

U.S. tightens definition of service animals allowed on planes

By David Koenig, Associated Press

Say goodbye to emotional-support animals in airplane cabins. The Transportation Department issued a final rule Wednesday covering service animals.

Government watchdog says FAA not prepared to update jet evacuation rules

By Tom Krishner, Associated Press

A government watchdog says the Federal Aviation Administration hasn’t updated standards for emergency airliner evacuations in nearly two decades.

Chao: Trump administration looking to 'unleash' potential of private investment in transportation

By Joan Lowy, Associated Press

Economic gains are being "jeopardized" by aging infrastructure, rising highway fatalities, growing congestion and a failure to keep pace with emerging technologies, Chao testified before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones banned from airliners over fire hazard

By Joan Lowy, Associated Press

Passengers and flight crews will be banned from bringing Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on airline flights under an emergency order issued Friday by the Department of Transportation.

Administration OKs new fuel-efficiency standards for trucks

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration says it's continuing to address global warming by adopting previously announced standards to make large trucks, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles more fuel efficient.

United Airlines fined $2.7M for tarmac delays, mistreatment of passengers with disabilities

By Joan Lowy, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — United Airlines drew a $2.7 million fine from the government on Thursday for violating rules aimed at protecting disabled passengers and preventing long tarmac delays.

Consumer panel: Airlines should disclose fees, seat size

By Joan Lowy, Associated Press

Airlines should clearly disclose the cost of change and cancellation fees, as well as the size of the plane's seats, before a passenger buys a ticket, a federal panel said Tuesday.

Blame the improving economy for worst traffic ever in U.S.

By Joan Lowy, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — More jobs and cheaper gasoline come with a big, honking downside: U.S. roads are more clogged than ever now that the recession is in the rearview mirror.