Sep 18 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. Continue reading
Jan 11 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. Continue reading
Oct 14 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. Continue reading
Aug 16 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. Continue reading
Jan 08 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. Continue reading
Sep 01 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. Continue reading
Aug 26 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. Continue reading
Aug 17 After years of decline, traffic deaths spike in first six months of year By Joan Lowy, Associated Press Traffic deaths were up 14 percent nationally in the first six months of this year and injuries were up by a third, according to data gathered by the National Safety Council. Continue reading
Jul 30 Senate on track to approve 3-month extension to highway bill By Joan Lowy, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Facing a Friday deadline, the Senate is on track to shore up federal highway aid and veterans' health care, leaving a raft of unresolved issues for a jam-packed congressional agenda in the fall. Continue reading
May 21 Government wants airlines to disclose the true cost of a ticket By Joan Lowy, Associated Press WASHINGTON -- Going to bat for confused passengers, the government is proposing that airlines be required to disclose fees for basic items like checked bags, assigned seats and carry-on bags so consumers know the true cost of flying. Under new… Continue reading