Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Department enjoyed one of the greatest ranking improvements in the Partnership for Public Service’s Best Places to Work in the Federal Government index among large agencies, with a 15.8 percent increase over 2009, placing 26 out of 32 in the 2010 survey.

Creates a level playing field and economies of scale based on a common set of designs and technical requirements allowing U.S. based manufacturers to more effectively compete.

Will conduct research that directly supports the U.S. Department of Transportation's priorities and are a critical part of the U.S. transportation strategy.

Funds will go toward high-speed rail service between Tampa and Orlando, Fla., San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif., Milwaukee and Madison, Wis., and rail service in New York and New Mexico.

The Choctaw Nation will use the $480,374 grant for vehicle and technology upgrades. The non-reservation tribe provides transportation services for all the residents of a 10-and-a-half-county area of southeast Oklahoma, where many members of the tribe live.

The Secretaries committed to establishing processes to increase bilateral transportation cooperation, recognizing that these efforts stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for their citizens.

On Friday, a tour bus owned by Tierra Santa Inc. caused a collision that killed six people and injured several others. The company lost its ability to operate April 1, 2009, because it does not have insurance.

Final rule raises the compliance standards for passing new entrant safety audits and requires that new carriers correct safety deficiencies before being granted permanent registration.

Will conduct testing against the government standard of randomly selected automotive lighting products sold in the marketplace. The test reports will be submitted to the NHTSA for determination of compliance with FMVSS No. 108.

Immediate actions the U.S. DOT is taking to combat distracted driving include making permanent restrictions on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in rail operations.