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