| Keyword |
Definition |
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Caboose |
A car in a freight train intended to provide transportation for crew members. (49CFR223) |
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Calendar Year |
The period of time between January 1 and December 31 of any given year. (DOE6) |
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Capacity |
A transportation facility's ability to accommodate a moving stream of people or vehicles in a given time period. |
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Capital Gains or Losses, Other |
Gains or losses on no operating assets, investments in other than marketable equity securities, and troubled debt restructuring. (BTS4) |
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Capital Program Funds |
Financial assistance from the Capital Program of 49 U.S.C. This program enables the Secretary of Transportation to make discretionary capital grants and loans to finance public transportation projects divided among fixed guideway (rail) modernization; construction of new fixed guideway systems and extensions to fixed guideway systems; and replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and rented equipment, and construction of bus-related facilities. |
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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
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1) A fluid consisting of more than 90 percent carbon dioxide molecules compressed to a supercritical state. (49CFR195) 2) A colorless, odorless gas. It is not a liquid under standard temperature and pressure. |
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Carbon Monoxide (CO)
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A colorless, odorless, highly toxic gas that is a normal by-product of incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Carbon monoxide, one of the major air pollutants, can be harmful in small amounts if breathed over a certain period of time. (DOE6) |
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Carpool |
An arrangement where two or more people share the use and cost of privately owned automobiles in traveling to and from pre-arranged destinations together. (ATPA1) |
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Census |
The complete enumeration of a population or groups at a point in time with respect to well-defined characteristics for example, population,production, traffic on particular roads. In some connection the term is associated with the data collected rather than the extent of the collection so that the term sample census has a distinct meaning. The partial enumeration resulting from a failure to cover the whole population, as distinct from a designed sample enquiry, may be referred to as an "incomplete census." (DOE5) |
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Census Division |
A geographic area consisting of several States defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. The States are grouped into nine divisions and four regions. (DOE4) |
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Certification Acceptance ((CA))
|
A procedure authorized by 23 U.S.C. 117(a) wherein the FHWA can delegate any of the 23 U.S.C. responsibilities for planning, design, and construction of projects, not on the Interstate System, to other qualified governmental entities. {This section of law was deleted in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. CA is being replaced by Stewardship Agreements. BIA area offices and ITGs may apply for Stewardship Agreements.} |
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Certification of Public Road Mileage |
An annual document (certification) that must be furnished by each state to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) certifying the total public road mileage (kilometers) in the state as of December 31 of the preceding year. (FHWA2) |
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Certified Capacity |
The capability of a pipeline project to move gas volumes on a given day, based on a specific set of flowing parameters (operating pressures, temperature, efficiency, and fluid properties) for the pipeline system as stated in the dockets filed (and subsequently certified) in the application for the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Generally, the certificated capacity represents a level of service that can be maintained over an extended period of time and may not represent the maximum throughput capability of the system on any given day. (DOE1) |
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Charter Bus |
A bus transporting a group of persons who pursuant to a common purpose, and under a single contract at a fixed price, have acquired the exclusive use of a bus to travel together under an itinerary. (APTA1) |
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Class |
1) With respect to the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen, means a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics. Examples include single engine; multiengine; land; water; gyroplane; helicopter; airship; and free balloon; and 2) With respect to the certification of aircraft, means a broad grouping of aircraft having similar characteristics of propulsion, flight, or landing. Examples include airplane; rotorcraft; glider; balloon; landplane; and seaplane. (14CFR1) |
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Class 1 Road |
Hard surface highways including Interstate and U.S. numbered highways (including alternates), primary State routes, and all controlled access highways. (DOI3) |
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Class 2 Road |
Hard surface highways including secondary State routes, primary county routes, and other highways that connect principal cities and towns, and link these places with the primary highway system. (DOI3) |
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Class 3 Road |
Hard surface roads not included in a higher class and improved, loose surface roads passable in all kinds of weather. These roads are adjuncts to the primary and secondary highway systems. Also included are important private roads such as main logging or industrial roads which serve as connecting links to the regular road network. (DOI3) |
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Class 4 Road |
Unimproved roads which are generally passable only in fair weather and used mostly for local traffic. Also included are driveways, regardless of construction. (DOI3) |
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Class 5 Road |
Unimproved roads passable only with 4 wheel drive vehicles. (DOI3) |
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Class I Railroad |
Railroad with an annual operating revenue of at least $266.7 million. |
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Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA)
|
The original Clean Air Act was passed in 1963, but the national air pollution control program is actually based on the 1970 version of the law. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments are the most far-reaching revisions of the 1970 law. The 1990 Clean Air Act is the most recent version of the 1970 version of the law. The 1990 amendments made major changes in the Clean Air Act. |
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Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
|
A compilation of the general and permanent rules of the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government as published in the Federal Register. The code is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. (DOE5) |
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Collector (Highway) |
In rural areas, routes that serve intracounty rather than statewide travel. In urban areas, streets that provide direct access to neighborhoods and arterials. |
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Combination Truck |
A power unit (truck tractor) and one or more trailing units (a semitrailer or trailer). |
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Commercial Bus |
Any bus used to carry passengers at rates specified in tariffs; charges may be computed per passenger (as in regular route service) or per vehicle (as in charter service). |
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Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
|
A license issued by a State or other jurisdiction, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR 383, to an individual which authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle. (49CFR383) |
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Commercial Service Airport |
Airport receiving scheduled passenger service and having 2,500 or more enplaned passengers per year. |
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Commute |
Regular travel between home and a fixed location (e.g., work, school). (TRB1) |
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Commuter |
A person who travels regularly between home and work or school. (APTA1) |
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Commuter Air Carrier |
Different definitions are used for safety purposes and for economic regulations and reporting. For safety analysis, commuter carriers are defined as air carriers operating under 14 CFR 135 that carry passengers for hire or compensation on at least five round trips per week on at least one route between two or more points according to published flight schedules, which specify the times, days of the week, and points of service. On March 20, 1997, the size of the aircraft subject to 14 CFR 135 was reduced from 30 to fewer than 10 passenger seats. (Larger aircraft are subject to the more stringent regulations of 14 CFR 121.) Helicopters carrying passengers or cargo for hire, however, are regulated under CFR 135 whatever their size. Although, in practice, most commuter air carriers operate aircraft that are regulated for safety purposes under 14 CFR 135 and most aircraft that are regulated under 14 CFR 135 are operated by commuter air carriers, this is not necessarily the case. For economic regulations and reporting requirements, commuter air carriers are those carriers that operate aircraft of 60 or fewer seats or a maximum payload capacity of 18,000 pounds or less. These carriers hold a certificate issued under section 298C of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended. |
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Commuter Lane |
Another name for "High-Occupancy Vehicle Lane." (APTA1) |
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Commuter Rail |
Long-haul passenger service operating between metropolitan and suburban areas, whether within or across the geographical boundaries of a state, usually characterized by reduced fares for multiple rides, and commutation tickets for regular, recurring riders. (FTA1) |
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Commuter Rail (Transit) |
Urban passenger train service for short-distance travel between a central city and adjacent suburb. Does not include rapid rail transit or light rail service. |
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Compressed Natural Gas |
Natural gas compressed to a volume and density that is practical as a portable fuel supply. It is used as a fuel for natural gas-powered vehicles. |
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Conformity |
Process to assess the compliance of any transportation plan, program, or project with air quality implementation plans. The conformity process is defined by the Clean Air Act. |
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Congestion Management System (CMS)
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Systematic process for managing congestion. Provides information on transportation system performance and finds alternative ways to alleviate congestion and enhance the mobility of people and goods, to levels that meet state and local needs. |
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Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)
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A categorical Federal-aid funding program created with the ISTEA. Directs funding to projects that contribute to meeting National air quality standards. CMAQ funds generally may not be used for projects that result in the construction of new capacity available to SOVs (single-occupant vehicles). |
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Constant Dollars |
Dollar value adjusted for changes in the average price level by dividing a current dollar amount by a price index. See also Chained Dollar and Current Dollar. |
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Containerized Cargo |
Cargo that is transported in containers that can be transferred easily from one transportation mode to another |
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Contract Authority (CA)
|
A form of Budget Authority that permits obligations to be made in advance of appropriations. Most of the programs under the Federal-Aid Highway Program operate under Contract Authority. |
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Contract Carrier |
Carrier engaged in interstate transportation of persons/ property by motor vehicle on a for‑hire basis, but under continuing contract with one or a limited number of customers to meet specific needs. |
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Control Strategy Implementation Plan Revision |
The implementation plan which contains specific strategies for controlling the emissions of and reducing ambient levels of pollutants in order to satisfy CAA requirements for demonstrations of reasonable further progress and attainment (including implementation plan revisions submitted to satisfy CAA sections 172(c), 182(b)(1), 182(c)(2)(A), 182(c)(2)(B), 187(a)(7), 187(g), 189(a)(1)(B), 189(b)(1)(A), and 189(d); sections 192(a) and 192(b), for nitrogen dioxide; and any other applicable CAA provision requiring a demonstration of reasonable further progress or attainment). |
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Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFÉ)
|
Originally established by Congress for new automobiles and later for light trucks. This law requires automobile manufacturers to produce vehicle fleets with a composite sales-weighted fuel economy not lower than the CAFE standards in a given year. For every vehicle that does not meet the standard, a fine is paid for every one-tenth of a mile per gallon that vehicle falls below the standard. |
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Corridor |
A broad geographical band that follows a general directional flow connecting major sources of trips that may contain a number of streets, highways and transit route alignments. (APTA1) |
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Crash (Highway) |
An event that produces injury and/or property damage, involves a motor vehicle in transport, and occurs on a trafficway or while the vehicle is still in motion after running off the trafficway. |
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Cubic Foot |
Conversion equivalents 1,728 cubic inches, 60 pints, 8/10 bushel, 0.028 cubic meter, 28.32 liters. (TNDOT1) |
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Current Assets |
Cash and cash equivalents, as well as current receivables and short-term investments, deposits and inventories. (BTS4) |
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Current Flight Plan |
The flight plan, including changes, if any, brought about by subsequent clearances. (FAA4) |
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Current Liabilities |
Current portion of long-term debt and of capital leases, air travel liabilities and other short-term trade accounts payable. (BTS4) |
