What is the primary role of the Department of Transportation?

The primary role of the Department of Transportation (DOT) is to ensure safe travel for passengers. This encompasses a wide array of responsibilities related to the overall safety of the nation's transportation systems, including aviation, rail, highways, and public transportation. The DOT establishes regulations, conducts inspections, and oversees the enforcement of safety standards to protect the well-being of travelers.

While the regulation of air traffic control, the management of airport security operations, and the provision of airline tickets are important functions within the broader transportation system, they fall under specific agencies or entities rather than being the primary focus of the DOT itself. For instance, air traffic control is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which operates under the DOT but is a distinct entity focused on aviation safety and efficiency. Similarly, airport security is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), also part of the DOT framework but with a specialized focus. The selling of airline tickets is handled by airlines and travel agencies, which are not under the purview of the DOT. Thus, the DOT’s overarching aim to ensure passenger safety encapsulates its primary role effectively.