ABSTRACT

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), through many of its agencies, launched an aggressive program to enhance the security of the nation’s public transportation programs. This chapter explores the Motor Carrier and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) systems. A total of thirteen agencies are currently in operation. Two former DOT agencies were transferred over to the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS). President George W. Bush signed legislation creating the new department, whose goal is to address terrorist threats against Americans at home. Also, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration moved from the DOT to the DHS on March 1, 2003.