U.S. Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation is a federal executive department based in Washington that develops national transportation policy and administers transportation safety and infrastructure programs. Its agencies work across aviation, highways, railroads, public transit, maritime transportation, pipelines and hazardous materials. Their responsibilities include setting and enforcing safety standards, supporting state and local transportation projects, and providing financial and technical assistance. The Office of the Secretary coordinates national policy and transportation across modes, while operating administrations carry out their respective programs. Congress established the department in 1966, and it began operations April 1, 1967.