Mass Transit

Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is a cabinet-level department concerned with transportation, including mass transit. The DOT was created by Congress in 1967 and is administered by the secretary of transportation. Within the DOT, various divisions take responsibility for certain aspects of transportation: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each of these DOT divisions has separate responsibilities for aspects of disaster relief with regard to mass transit. The FAA, for example, regulates commercial aviation; issues, suspends, or revokes pilot licenses; develops and operates the air traffic control system; and regulates safety issues affecting civil aviation. Similarly, the FTA provides financial and technical assistance to local mass transit systems. This assistance includes planning for disaster relief in the event of a natural or human-made catastrophe. Specifically, the DOT assists mass transit authorities to plan for contingencies in the event of a disaster. Such planning may include alternative transportation in the event that railways or roadways are made inoperable, preparedness for acts of terror directed against mass transit carriers, and safety programs designed to reduce injuries or fatalities in the event of a disruption of service.

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet-level division of the federal government responsible for protecting U.S. territory from terrorist attacks and responding to natural disasters. The DHS was created in 2003, largely in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The DHS's goal is to prepare for, prevent, and respond to domestic emergencies, especially terrorism. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which was created in 2001 as part of the DOT, was transferred to the DHS upon its founding. The TSA is responsible for developing policies to improve safety for air traffic and other forms of transportation. Airport security and the prevention of airplane hijacking are two of the chief goals of the TSA. To carry out its mandate, the TSA carries out screenings of air passengers and their luggage before individuals or baggage are allowed to board an airplane at over 450 American airports.

...