Department of Transportation
The overall mission of the Department of Transportation (DOT) is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future. Such a transportation system is integral to the health of our economy and quality of life.
- Our nation's vast system of airways, railways, roads, pipelines, transit, and waterways has served this need, yet it is under considerable strain from (1) increasing congestion and (2) the cost to maintain and improve it. In addition, over 44,000 people are killed and over 2.5 million are injured each year in transportation-related accidents. Therefore, enhancing mobility, financing the system, and improving safety are key challenges facing DOT.
Highlights of GAO-07-545T (PDF)
- In addition, transitioning from the current ground-based air traffic control system to a satellite-based system is one of the department's most complex undertakings.
Highlights of GAO-08-1078 (PDF)
- Finally, as it seeks to fulfill its mission, DOT must address concerns regarding its accountability for program results, energy conservation, and the management of human capital and finances.
Highlights of GAO-07-545T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-07-921 (PDF)
^ Back to topKey Reports
- Federal Aviation Administration: Challenges Facing the Agency in Fiscal Year 2009 and Beyond
- GAO-08-460T, February 7, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 33 pages) Accessible Text
- Freight Transportation: National Policy and Strategies Can Help Improve Freight Mobility
- GAO-08-287, January 7, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 59 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Traffic Safety Programs: Progress, States' Challenges, and Issues for Reauthorization
- GAO-08-990T, July 16, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 35 pages) Accessible Text
- Surface Transportation: Restructured Federal Approach Needed for More Focused, Performance-Based, and Sustainable Programs
- GAO-08-400, March 6, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 91 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Physical Infrastructure: Challenges and Investment Options for the Nation's Infrastructure
- GAO-08-763T, May 8, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 34 pages) Accessible Text
- Aviation Runway and Ramp Safety: Sustained Efforts to Address Leadership, Technology, and Other Challenges Needed to Reduce Accidents and Incidents
- GAO-08-29, November 20, 2007
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 92 pages) Accessible Text Recommendations (HTML)
- Next Generation Air Transportation System: Status of Systems Acquisition and the Transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System
- GAO-08-1078, September 11, 2008
- Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 49 pages) Accessible Text