What the Secretary of Transportation does
Keeps America's highways, airports, trains, and ports running safely.
Common misconceptions(3)
- Runs AmtrakActually: Amtrak is a government-owned corporation with its own management. DOT oversees it and provides funding, but doesn't manage day-to-day trains.
- Screens airport passengersActually: TSA security screening is run by the Department of Homeland Security, not Transportation.
- Owns the highwaysActually: Interstates and highways are owned by the states. DOT funds and sets standards, but states do the actual building and maintenance.
