Department of Transportation

The mission of the Department of Transportation is to “serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future” (http://www.dot.gov/about_dot.html). The Department consists of the Office of the Secretary, the Surface Transportation Board, the Office of the Inspector General, and 10 operating administrations (see http://www.dot.gov/stratplan2011/index.htm for a complete list). The Department of Transportation is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the traveling public, increasing their mobility, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth through the transportation system. The Department of Transportation addresses international transportation issues in an attempt to achieve a more competitive and efficient global marketplace. It also simultaneously works to protect the environment from the negative effects of transportation. The Department of Transportation is overall responsible for developing and coordinating policies that will provide an efficient and economical national transportation system, and shaping and administering policies and programs to protect and enhance the safety and efficiency of the transportation system and services.