Tag Archives: Transportation

U.S. Railroads: On the Right Track?

With over 780 passenger and freight railroads, more than 230,000 employees, and 200,000 miles of track, the U.S. railroad system plays a critical role in our nation’s infrastructure. Today’s WatchBlog explores how safe our rails are, and what the future … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast on Oil and Gas Transportation and Infrastructure Issues

Technology advancements, such as hydraulic fracturing, have greatly increased U.S. production of oil and natural gas. This increase poses challenges for oil and gas transportation infrastructure, such as pipeline and rail. Hear our podcast with Frank Rusco, a director in … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Providing a Stable Education for Foster and Homeless Children

School should be a stable environment for all students. In two recent reports, we looked at how states addressed federal legislation intended, in part, to increase school stability for children in foster care and those experiencing homelessness. We also highlighted … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Mixed News for U.S. Airline Consumer Choice

Have you flown recently? You might feel like your options are more limited because of trends in air service and recent airline mergers. But do you really have fewer airlines to choose from? In the last several months, GAO has … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Environmental Challenges and Opportunities in the Arctic Get Federal Attention

A warming climate is changing the Arctic’s environment. The decline in summer sea ice, which reached its lowest point on record in 2012, has made some Arctic waters navigable for longer periods of time.

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why Counting Federal Structures Isn’t as Easy as 1-2-3

The federal government owns and manages a huge amount of “real property” (property that can’t be moved). GAO designated the management of federal real property as High Risk based largely on challenges agencies face managing buildings. But buildings are only … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast on Current and Future Availability of Airline Pilots

The number of pilots employed by commercial airlines has declined since 2000, and many stakeholders are concerned about a potential shortage of qualified airline pilots in the near future. Listen to our podcast with Gerald Dillingham, a director in our … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Passenger Security and Safety on Cruise Ships

Planning a vacation this winter? Each year, millions of people board cruise ships departing from U.S. ports. We have done work on the security and safety requirements for cruise vessels that may give you a better understanding of how cruise … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,