Department of Transportation Archives

A United Airlines plane departs the Newark International Airport, in Newark, New Jersey, on January 11 2023. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

In deploying AI, the Federal Aviation Administration faces unique challenges

As federal agencies ramp up their AI work, observers say the FAA is taking a “cautious” approach as it wrestles with safety questions.

Apr 30, 2024 By Rebecca Heilweil

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg holds a news conference about summer air travel at the department’s headquarters on May 23, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Transportation Department to examine consumer privacy issues with big airlines

Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the privacy review “is the beginning of a new initiative by DOT to ensure airlines are being good stewards of sensitive passenger…

Mar 21, 2024 By Rebecca Heilweil

Commuters sit in traffic on southbound Interstate 5 during the afternoon commute on Feb. 9, 2024 in San Diego. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Federal Highway Administration wants feedback on proposal to use cyber tool

The FHWA plans to adopt CISA’s Cyber Security Evaluation Tool so that its transportation authorities can better identify and respond to cyber incidents.

Mar 6, 2024 By Matt Bracken

A view of the Federal Aviation Administration headquarters on Feb. 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by J. David Ake/Getty Images)

MITRE researched air traffic language AI tool for FAA, documents show

The Department of Transportation has been relatively mum about its work on AI.

Feb 14, 2024 By Rebecca Heilweil

A bicyclist rides past the US Capitol at dusk as the House meets to vote on a rules package for the 118th Congress, in Washington, DC, on January 9, 2023. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images).

Agencies must do a better job of sharing emerging tech regulatory challenges with Congress, watchdog report says

The Government Accountability Office said federal agencies should increase communication and documentation to further help Congress provide legislative oversight.

Jan 26, 2024 By Caroline Nihill

Jan. 11, 2023 — An American Airlines Airbus A321 airplane takes off past the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Democratic senators call for digital update to Department of Transportation’s service animal flight form

Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois recommend that the DOT update its service animal commercial flight form for better accessibility.

Jan 17, 2024 By Caroline Nihill

SpaceX’s Starship rocket launches from Starbase during its second test flight in Boca Chica, Texas, on Nov. 18, 2023. (Photo by Timothy A. Clary /AFP via Getty Images)

The FAA is developing an air traffic tool built for the space age. It may need help

Documents lend insight into the state of a tool meant to help integrate commercial space launches into the national airspace.

Dec 14, 2023 By Rebecca Heilweil

Housing and Urban Development names Vinay Singh as chief AI officer

Vinay Singh is currently the department’s chief financial officer and will work closely with the agency’s senior IT and policy officials in the new role.

Nov 22, 2023 By Madison Alder

President Joe Biden hands Vice President Kamala Harris the pen he used to sign a new executive order regarding artificial intelligence during a White House event on Oct. 30, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

With AI adoption, agency officials say they need an educated workforce that’s not ‘fearful’ of the technology

Federal executives discuss AI’s crucial role in data strategy and how to train staffers on best practices amid implementation of the White House’s executive order.

Oct 31, 2023 By Matt Bracken

Tech Modernization Fund awards $9M in air travel, textile industry consumer protection investments

Consumer protection systems operated by the Department of Transportation and Federal Trade Commission will receive just over $9 million in combined funding from the General Services Administration-led…

Sep 29, 2023 By Madison Alder