U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Converting Kalamazoo’s one-way streets to two-way routes is expected to save people millions of dollars, mostly in safety benefits, according to an analysis paid for by the city of Kalamazoo. An estimated $22.5 million benefit will come after the city makes a major investment to convert one-way streets of Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo Avenue and Michikal Street to two-way routes, the report states. Randolph has said the total estimated costs of the Michigan Avenue and Kalamazoo Avenue work to be about $25 million. Other associated projects on Lovell Street, South Street and North Street will continue after Kalamazoo Avenue, Michigan Avenue and Michikal Street conversions are completed, extending work into the early 2030s. “There’s really no debate about the safety benefits of lane reductions, lane clarity, enhanced crosswalks, dedicated and protected bicycle facilities,” Black said.

Housed at U-M, CCAT will continue its work as an automated vehicle research partnership with a renewed federal grant.

House lawmakers are investigating Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for his "apathy" in the face of the dangerous train derailment in East Palestine.

ANN ARBOR, MI - A $15-million federal grant will help the University of Michigan transition to autonomous vehicles in its transportation fleet. The five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will broaden the Ann Arbor-based Center for Connected and Automated Transportation, UM officials said. CCAT involves nine colleges and universities that research emerging technologies to advance the U.S. transportation system.

The Department of Transportation says it is looking into the airline's flight scheduling practices and will hold it accountable for refunds. The 16,700 canceled flights cost Southwest $800 million.

Thousands of travelers were stranded at U.S. airports due to an hours-long computer outage.

The cancellations in Chicago were part of the disruptions Southwest was experiencing nationwide after winter storms swept across the country.

The cancellations in Chicago were part of the disruptions Southwest was experiencing nationwide after winter storms swept across the country.

Southwest Airlines canceled 2,900 flights Monday, according to FlightAware. Nearly 2,500 more flights had already been canceled as of Tuesday morning.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it will look into flight cancellations by Southwest Airlines that have left travelers stranded at airports across the country amid an intense winter storm that has killed dozens of people. Many airlines were forced to cancel flights due to the weather, but Southwest was by far the leader in canceled flights. About 4,000 domestic U.S. flights were cancelled Monday, according to the tracking website FlightAware, and 2,900 of those were Southwest’s. Other major airlines, including American, United, Delta and JetBlue, suffered cancellations rates of between none and 2%. The cancellation rate at Southwest Airlines was 62%, according to FlightAware.

A group of environmental and racial justice organizations filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday against the U.S. Department of Transportation and its secretary, Pete Buttigieg, seeking to halt a Gulf Coast road project that the group says will harm the environment near historic Black neighborhoods in north Gulfport. The suit, which argues that the DOT violated the National Environmental Policy Act, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Frontier Airlines and five foreign carriers are paying over $600M to consumers whose flights were canceled or delayed.

Frontier Airlines and four foreign carriers are paying more than $600 million in refunds to consumers whose flights were canceled or significantly delayed since the start of the pandemic.

Frontier Airlines and five foreign carriers have agreed to refund more than $600 million combined to travelers whose trips were canceled or significantly delayed since the start of the pandemic, federal officials said Monday. The U.S. Department of Transportation said it also fined the same airlines more than $7 million for delaying refunds so long that they violated consumer-protection rules. The largest U.S. airlines, which accounted for the bulk of complaints about refunds, avoided fines, and an official said no other U.S. carriers are being investigated for potential fines.

Frontier Airlines and four foreign carriers have agreed to refund more than $600 million combined to travelers whose trips were canceled or significantly delayed since the start of the pandemic, federal officials said Monday. The U.S. Department of Transportation said it also fined the same airlines more than $7 million for delaying refunds so long that they violated consumer-protection rules. “When Americans buy a ticket on an airline, we expect to get to our destination safely, reliably and affordably, and our job at DOT is to hold airlines accountable for these expectations,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

The Department of Transportation has sparred with airlines over refund delays and flight disruptions.

Under a new federal rule flight attendants will get 10 consecutive hours between trips, the agency said.

A plan to turn a Detroit highway that was built through a historic Black neighborhood in the 1960s into a boulevard is one step closer to reality.

An airport in Washtenaw County will receive a grant to construct a new taxiway.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – A new commercial airline will provide more flights between Muskegon and Chicago than are currently offered, but on smaller planes. The U.S. Department of Transportation has accepted a proposal from Southern Airways Express to provide passenger service out of the Muskegon County Airport. Beginning Oct. 1, it will offer 36 weekly flights on nine-passenger planes between Muskegon and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Southern Airways Express will replace SkyWest, which earlier this year announced its intention to stop serving the airport that is in Norton Shores. Southern Airways Express was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Palm Beach, Florida.

"This is the first time in my 11 seasons that I've ever had to sleep in the airport," one WNBA player said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing new rules that would offer more refunds to air travelers when their flight is either delayed significantly or cancelled.

Under new rules proposed by the Department of Transportation, airlines would have to refund travelers whose domestic flight is delayed by three or more hours.

The DOT logged a surge in complaints about airline refunds since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

More consumers complained to the Department of Transportation about refunds than about lost luggage, delays or overbooking.

Former Duke star Grant Hill ranks his top five Blue Devils of all time.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced $30 million in rail infrastructure funding for Michigan. The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program awarded $368 million to 46 projects across 32 states and Michigan’s projects were selected.

Ann Arbor and Detroit are set to receive over $84M in aid from the U.S. Department of Transportation according to U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow.

Here's what to know about daylight saving time in 2022, including why it's a law in the United States.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff was rushed out of a Washington high school on Tuesday because of a bomb threat, school administrators and White House aides said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior, Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said last week in a court filing that the Natural Land Institute has no legal standing.

Michigan is expected to receive $563 million to repair decaying bridges during the next five years thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law signed last year. The U.S. Department of Transportation released a breakdown of how each state will split $226.5 billion, the largest investment in bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system. Michigan ranks 10th in the country for federal bridge funds that will be appropriated between 2022-2026.

It’s that time of year again -- are you ready?

The government has reported that the number of U.S. traffic deaths in the first half of 2021 hit 20,160, the highest first-half total since 2006.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came to Tennessee to learn how the closure of the Interstate 40 bridge connecting that state and Arkansas has affected freight movement since it was shut down more than three weeks ago when a crack was found in the span.

More than 20 family-friendly in-person and virtual events are scheduled from June 1-6 to commemorate the event, highlight sustainability and educate the community.

Airlines got billions in federal COVID-19 aid over the last year, but consumer advocates and two senators claim they're sitting on nearly $15 billion in refunds owed to customers for canceled travel.

Preliminary construction for the Obama Presidential Center at Jackson Park has begun, officials said Wednesday while kicking off a process that will cost more than $200 million and take up several months before the campus’s official groundbreaking in Jackson Park later this year. The announcement during a news conference outside the Museum of Science and Industry comes two months after a federal review process that for four years had snagged the arrival of the Obama center concluded. At the time, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the conclusion was a “major milestone” and projected preliminary work will start in April.

Willow Run Airport is receiving the $15,275,685 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn has announced. “Willow Run Airport is a critical gateway for our local economy in Ypsilanti and Washtenaw (County), as well as throughout the entire tri-county area,” Dingell said in a statement. This grant will significantly assist with the modernization of Willow Run Airport to ensure it continues to meet the community’s needs, officials said. “The Wayne County Airport Authority appreciates the support of Michigan’s congressional leaders, who are advocates for the infrastructure and safety needs of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport,” said Erica Donerson, Wayne County Airport Authority spokeswoman. In February, a $10-million federal grant went to the airport to decouple Runways 23L and 27.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Flint Bishop Airport will be receiving a $956,449 federal grant to use for a variety of purposes at the facility. The U.S. Department of Transportation grant will help with taxiway improvements and purchase snow removal equipment, according to a Tuesday, March 30 news release from Congressman Dan Kildee’s office. I am proud to announce this federal grant for Flint Bishop International Airport to provide much-needed improvements to our airport,” Kildee, D-Flint Township, said. “We look forward to receiving the grant dollars and putting it towards enhancing the quality service our passengers are used to at Flint Bishop,” Sapone said. Read more on MLive:Plans in works to use Flint Bishop Airport as mega COVID-19 vaccination siteSurprise parade sends off retiring Flint Bishop Airport Police Chief Christopher Miller‘It’s a long time coming:’ Real-life Rosie the Riveter in awe of new statue in Flint

Hampshire was appointed to principal deputy assistant secretary for research and technology within the Department of Transportation, according to a news release. He will be responsible for research, development and technology activities across the department and the 40 University Transportation Centers, the release states. “Robert’s expertise and his deep commitment to equity, access and justice will improve transportation policy for all Americans.”Hampshire declined to comment for this story. He has served as a research associate professor in the UM Transportation Research Institute’s Human Factors group and Michigan Institute for Data Science, according to the release. READ MORE:Citing ‘purposeful contact to head,’ University of Michigan revokes club boxing sponsorshipCrime declines on University of Michigan campus, but sexual harassment reports are upPressure increases on University of Michigan regent Ron Weiser to resign after Capitol violence

ANN ARBOR – A University of Michigan effort focused on the safety of automated and connected vehicles will be bringing more than 20 “smart intersections” to the city of Ann Arbor. These intersections will be capable of collecting and sending information to connected cars in real time. This information will be transmitted to nearby connected vehicles, prompting onboard alarms when cars are in hazardous situations. At its peak, it became the largest connected vehicle deployment in the world, with nearly 3,000 vehicles on the road. Through these projects, researchers were able to provide evidence that connected vehicles can reduce unimpaired collisions by 90%.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute will use nearly $10 million to create 20 “smart intersections” across Ann Arbor. That information is instantaneously sent to connected vehicles in the vicinity to alert drivers when cars are in dangerous situations, the release states. Those projects found that vehicles have the potential to reduce unimpaired crashes by 90%, the release states. UM will receive $3.8 million of those federal dollars directly and administer the remaining $6.2 million to subcontractors, the release states. READ MORE:Violence at U.S. Capitol condemned by University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University officialsUniversity of Michigan students start free online tutoring service for low-income families15,000 LEGO bricks become Martin Luther King Jr. mosaic from Eastern Michigan University professor

At the behest of an airline trade group, the U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted a new policy that consumer groups say will make it harder for the agency to punish airlines that deceive travelers or treat them unfairly. @USDOT used the Friday after Thanksgiving to finalize its anti-consumer rule on unfair and deceptive practices. After the hearing, the agency can move ahead with the rule, modify it or eliminate it. AdvertisementWhen the rule was first proposed in February it was criticized for making it more difficult to penalize airlines and travel agencies. In response to the Trump order, Airlines for America suggested the new policy to the Transportation Department.

ANN ARBOR, MI – The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding nearly $15.6 to Michigan to improve rail infrastructure between Ypsilanti and Jackson. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, announced the federal grant award to the Michigan Department of Transportation on Friday, Oct. 23. It will fund work to replace 80,000 feet of rail, rehab 42 horizontal curves and make safety enhancements at 16 public and eight private at-grade crossings on the state-owned rail corridor that passes through Ann Arbor, Dingell’s office said. “The future of mobility includes a strong rail network. “We are appreciative of Rep. Dingell’s efforts as we work to implement higher speeds and more efficient travel between Chicago and Detroit,” Ajegba said in a statement.

After a surge in traveler complaints about airline ticket refunds during the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued its second warning in as many months to airlines on Tuesday. A key problem: the DOT does not define significant, so airline policies vary and some are using that lack of clear guidance as a way to get out of issuing refunds. Airlines owe you a refund when they cancel a flight: So why is United balking during coronavirus crisis? Airlines don't always broadcast this option, preferring to rebook a passenger or issue a credit so they retain the revenue. Travelers who proactively cancel flights are not eligible for a cash refund, although airlines are issuing travel credits.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said Tuesday that it will allow airlines that receive coronavirus aid to consolidate certain routes into fewer airports, giving carriers some breathing room in meeting the requirements for the relief. Congress last week approved $50 billion in aid for U.S. airlines, part of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package. The grants are dedicated to maintaining payroll and airlines that accept them have to commit not to furlough workers through Sept. 30. But carriers that fly to multiple airports that serve a certain city can consolidate that service "at a single airport serving the point," the Department of Transportation said Tuesday. For example, a carrier that flies into Newark, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport from Chicago's O'Hare can consolidate its flights into the New York City area into one airport.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Transportation supports the rehabilitation of a century-old New York City-area rail tunnel that was damaged in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy flooded parts of the city, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao told lawmakers on Thursday. Chao told a panel of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee that the department is working closely with Amtrak to advance rehabilitation work on the existing Hudson Tunnel. The Hudson Tunnel, also known as the North River Tunnel, spans the Hudson River to connect Manhattan and New Jersey. Along with rehabilitation of the existing tunnel, the building of a second Hudson River Tunnel and the logistics of scheduling the two projects has been an issue. 21ST CENTURY TUNNELSThe construction of a new Hudson River tunnel is part of Amtraks proposed Gateway project that encompasses a number of projects along the Northeast Corridor.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. drivers covered 1% more miles in October than a year earlier, traveling a total of 285.1 billion miles (458.8 billion km), the U.S. Department of Transportation said in a monthly report on Thursday. In 2019, total travel was up 1% from a year earlier at 2,772.1 billion vehicle miles, the DOT said. The data can be used as an indicator of demand for gasoline and diesel.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. drivers covered 1.7% more miles in September than a year earlier, traveling a total of 267.7 billion miles, the U.S. Department of Transportation said in a monthly report on Friday. In 2019, total travel is up 1% from a year earlier at 2,436.9 billion vehicle miles, the DOT said. The data can be used as an indicator of demand for gasoline and diesel.

ANN ARBOR - U.S. "The mobility industry as a whole is a key area of focus for Ann Arbor SPARK," said president and CEO Paul Krutko. This story was sponsored by Ann Arbor SPARK. About Ann Arbor SPARKAnn Arbor SPARK, a nonprofit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Motorists traveled 0.3% fewer miles on U.S. roads and highways in June compared with a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Transportation said in a monthly report Wednesday. Drivers logged an estimated 279.7 billion vehicle miles in the month. Miles have risen 0.8% in all of 2019 compared with a year earlier. The data can be used as an indicator of demand for gasoline and diesel.

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) were just awarded $2.6 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation for no emission bus technology. The Federal Transit Administration grants were part of its Low- or No Emission program and will enable the Southeast Michigan transit agencies to purchase six electric buses and build charging infrastructure. The buses will be purchased from Proterra, a California-based electric bus manufacturer, and DTE Energy will support building the charging infrastructure. This is part of several recent collaborative efforts between DDOT and SMART, including implementation of the unified payment system DART. Merging the various transit systems is an essential component of the Regional Transit Authoritys plan which is currently undergoing revision.