U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
www.dot.gov/briefing-room.html

Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Contact: Shashunga Clayton
Tel.: (202) 366-9999

DOT Challenges Student Developers to Create New App and Online Solutions that Help Consumers Make Smart Safety Decisions About Bus Travel

The U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration today launched a contest that challenges student software developers to use the agency’s raw performance data on commercial bus companies to create new apps and online solutions that enable consumers to make smart safety decisions when booking their bus travel. It is hoped that the challenge will also raise public awareness about the availability and usefulness of FMCSA’s bus safety data. FMCSA’s Motorcoach Safety Data Utilization Student Challenge is open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 18 years or older and enrolled at a fully-accredited higher education institution, or planning to enroll in the fall of 2012 or winter of 2013. Submissions will be accepted starting April 30, 2012 through August 1, 2012. Winners will be announced on September 20, 2012. For complete details on contest eligibility requirements and rules, visit www.Challenge.gov. Also, check out the Secretary of Transportation’s Fast Lane Blog announcing the Challenge at http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/04/fmcsa-challenges-student-developers-to-create-next-saferbus-app.html

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