Transportation and Telecommunications Issue Area Plan--Fiscal Years
1995-97 (Letter Report, 03/01/95, GAO/IAP-95-7).
GAO provided information on its Transportation and Telecommunications
issue area plan, focusing on: (1) investment in transportation
infrastructure; (2) competition in the transportation industry; (3)
consumer access to telecommunications services; (4) federal regulation
of telecommunications; and (5) competition in the telecommunications
industry.
GAO plans to: (1) assess how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
can better establish and deploy an efficient safety work force; (2)
reinforce FAA implementation of prior GAO recommendations that will
improve air traffic management and industry oversight; (3) assess ways
to allow FAA to capitalize on breakthrough technologies; (4) improve the
Department of Transportation's (DOT) management of the Airport
Improvement Program; (5) recommend improvements aimed at reducing
transportation-related accidents; (6) assess DOT progress in
implementing safety provisions; (7) study the effect of foreign aviation
policies and competition on U.S. interests; (8) evaluate the benefits of
airline deregulation; (9) assess the high-speed ground transportation
options for freight and passengers; (10) review the Coast Guard's budget
and downsizing efforts; and (11) assess the proposal for restructuring
and streamlining DOT to ensure the continued emphasis on safety and
infrastructure concerns.
--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------
REPORTNUM: IAP-95-7
TITLE: Transportation and Telecommunications Issue Area
Plan--Fiscal Years 1995-97
DATE: 03/01/95
SUBJECT: Airline regulation
Transportation safety
Transportation operations
Transportation industry
Competition
Telecommunications operations
Consumer protection
Program evaluation
Air traffic control systems
IDENTIFIER: National Highway System
FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization Program
FAA Advanced Automation System
NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement
FAA Airport Improvement Program
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Cover
================================================================ COVER
Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division
March 1995
TRANSPORTATION AND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ISSUE AREA PLAN
- FISCAL YEARS 1995-97
GAO/IAP-95-7
Abbreviations
=============================================================== ABBREV
FAA -
DOT -
FOREWORD
============================================================ Chapter 0
The Transportation and Telecommunications issue area is one of the
General Accounting Office's 35 issue areas. Relying heavily on input
from congressional committees, as well as industry, academia, and
agency officials and other experts, GAO develops plans to ensure that
our resources are focused on the most important concerns of the
Congress.
GAO serves as a source of timely, accurate information and unbiased
analysis for decisionmakers in the Congress and executive agencies.
For each issue area, GAO's strategic plan describes the significance
of the issues, our objectives, and the focus of our work. Our work
includes such products as reports, briefings, and testimonies.
The Transportation and Telecommunications issue area reviews the
Department of Transportation (DOT) and its operating administrations,
Federal Communications Commission, Federal Maritime Commission,
Interstate Commerce Commission, National Railroad Passenger
Corporation (Amtrak), and National Transportation Safety Board.
GAO's program evaluation and performance work in the transportation
sector generally focuses on safe and efficient travel, cost-effective
investment in infrastructure, and the promotion of industry
competition and financial health in a largely deregulated
environment. In the telecommunications sector, we focus on consumer
access to services, the federal regulatory role, and competitiveness
in the industry. The principal issues are
�maintaining the safety of the nation's air transport system and
improving the airport and air traffic control infrastructure;
�evaluating reorganization proposals for reforming the Federal
Aviation Administration's (FAA) air traffic control functions,
restructuring the Department of Transportation, and reexamining the
functions performed by other agencies, such as the Interstate
Commerce Commission;
�reducing the risk of fatalities and injuries in surface
transportation and the resulting economic costs;
�improving the nation's surface transportation infrastructure in
terms of quality and the cost-effectiveness of investments, enhancing
the use of innovative financing alternatives, and supporting the
development of the 160,000-mile National Highway System;
�sustaining an internationally competitive aviation industry and
financially viable domestic passenger rail service (Amtrak);
�maintaining an efficient and effective U.S. Coast Guard and
Maritime Administration;
�analyzing cross-cutting and consumer protection issues that apply to
DOT agencywide, such as improving financial management, strengthening
oversight of "mega" infrastructure projects such as the Boston Harbor
Tunnel and Denver Airport, responding to public concerns, and
identifying opportunities to save funds in all transportation modes;
and
�encouraging the development of the telecommunications industry
through increased competition and facilitating the development of the
information superhighway.
In the pages that follow, we describe our key planned work on these
issues.
Because events may significantly affect even the best of plans, our
planning process allows for updating the plan and responding quickly
to emerging issues. If you have any questions or suggestions about
this plan, please call me at (202) 512-2834.
Kenneth M. Mead
Director
Transportation and Telecommunications Issues
CONTENTS
============================================================ Chapter 1
TABLE I: KEY ISSUES
---------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:1
1
TABLE II: PLANNED MAJOR WORK
---------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:2
2
TABLE III: GAO CONTACTS
---------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1:3
4
TABLE I: KEY ISSUES
============================================================ Chapter 2
Issue Significance
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Aviation safety: Does FAA adequately Over the next several years, FAA faces
oversee the aviation industry's major challenges in how to deal with
compliance with federal safety and the effects of a downsized work force,
security regulations? air traffic control corporatization
proposals, and increased globalization
of the aviation industry, all within
the context of continuing to maintain a
high level of safety in the U.S. air
transportation system.
Aviation infrastructure: How can FAA FAA is at a critical juncture in its
enhance the safety, capacity, and air traffic control modernization
efficiency of the nation's airport and program because (1) ongoing
airway system? acquisitions are being fielded, (2) the
automation plan for air traffic control
facilities is undergoing radical
restructuring, and (3) new, costly
major acquisitions (e.g., the wide-
area augmentation system for satellite
navigation) are in the earliest
phases.
Surface transportation safety: How can Although the number of people who die
surface transportation be improved to in transportation accidents is lower
promote safety and reduce program and than it has been in 30 years, 40,000
societal costs? people still die on highways each year.
In addition, nearly $15 billion is
spent annually on health care related
to traffic accidents.
Surface transportation infrastructure: The focus on highways is changing from
Do the current highway, bridge, mass building interstates to shaping the
transit, and rail programs adequately 160,000-mile National Highway System.
meet the nation's surface There are many unresolved
transportation needs? implementation issues, including
funding implications and priorities of
the new system, protecting the existing
investment, and synchronizing the often
conflicting goals of clean air, energy
conservation, and reduced traffic
congestion.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Objectives Focus of Work
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
� Assess how FAA can better establish � FAA's certification and oversight of
and deploy the required safety work new aircraft and airlines
force so that it is both efficient and � Oversight of commuter airlines and
effective. general aviation
� Reinforce FAA's greater � Implementation of prior safety
implementation of prior recommendations recommendations
from GAO, the National Transportation � Technology/automation development,
Safety Board, and the DOT Inspector deployment, and impact on air traffic
General that will enhance the controller work force
efficiency and effectiveness of its air
traffic management and industry
oversight functions.
� Assess ways to better position FAA to
capitalize on technological
breakthroughs that can enhance the
safety and security of the U.S. air
transportation system.
� Propose FAA acquisition management � Evaluation of various alternative
reforms that minimize schedule structures for FAA's air traffic
slippages/cost overruns. control functions
� Recommend improvements to FAA's � Scrub of FAA's fiscal year 1996
automation program in light of the facilities and equipment budget
cancelled segments of the Advanced � Status of FAA's air traffic control
Automation System acquisition. modernization program
� Improve DOT's management of the � Evaluation of FAA's acquisition
Airport Improvement Program and management
passenger facility charges. � Review of innovative and alternative
funding mechanisms for airport
development
� Recommend improvements to federal � Methods to deal effectively with
regulations aimed at reducing problem drivers
transportation-related accidents, � Effect of Amtrak's financial problems
deaths, and serious injuries. on safety and service quality
� Assess DOT's progress in implementing � Rail and truck safety issues relating
safety provisions of the Intermodal to NAFTA and the National Highway
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act System
(ISTEA) and pipeline and hazardous � Methods to improve safety around
materials legislation. dangerous rail/highway grade crossings
� Federal/state/local oversight of
commuter rail safety
� Recommend cost-saving strategies that � Metropolitan planning organizations'
(1) maximize federal, state, and local roles in post-ISTEA planning
governments' investments in highways, � Use of private sector financing
mass transit, and high-speed rail � Conformity provisions of the Clean
development; (2) encourage public/ Air Act
private partnerships to finance � Options for allocating federal
transportation needs; and (3) advance highway funds
passenger rail alternatives.
� Recommend strategies for improving
federal, state, and local government
management of highway and transit
programs, including integration with
energy and environmental issues.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue Significance
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Competition and financial health: How The globalization of the economy and
does the federal role in transportation the formation of international trading
ensure adequate competition in a blocs like the European Union present a
worldwide environment and affect the challenge to the financial health and
economic welfare of travelers and competitive position of U.S.
shippers? transportation interests. Seeking
maximum benefits from deregulation in
trucking, rail, and aviation while
ensuring competitive rates and quality
service may be an important part of the
nation's strategy to meet this
challenge. In addition, providing
nationwide, economically viable
passenger rail service within the
available resources may be the subject
of considerable congressional interest.
Coast Guard and Maritime The Coast Guard has developed plans to
Administration: How efficient and downsize the agency. The Congress may
effective are the U.S. Coast Guard and need assurances that this plan is
Maritime Administration in carrying out fiscally and organizationally sound and
their programs and policies? includes the appropriate mix of
military and civilian personnel to meet
the agency's numerous missions.
Cross-cutting issues and consumer The Congress and the administration
protection: How can agencywide DOT have mandated that federal agencies,
management and organization be improved including DOT, improve their
and how well does DOT respond to the accountability for the effective and
public's concerns? efficient use of budgetary resources
and their responsiveness to the public
in carrying out their missions.
Particularly on "mega" infrastructure
projects, the federal government has a
vital stake in ensuring that projects
such as the Denver Airport and Boston
Harbor Tunnel are completed efficiently
and promptly.
Telecommunications, competition, and The telecommunications industry is in
regulation: What role should federal, the midst of a technological
state, and local governments play and revolution. The boundaries between
what regulations are needed for various sectors such as telephone and
telecommunications and the information cable are blurring, suggesting the need
superhighway? for a reassessment of existing federal
and state regulatory structures. Other
issues of national concern are the
equity of access to services, privacy,
security, and domestic and
international competitiveness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Objectives Focus of work
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
� Study the effect of foreign aviation �Analysis of the critical issues in the
policies and competition on U.S. reauthorization of Amtrak, including
interests. restructuring the route system
� Assess threats to competition and the �Assessment of benefits and costs of
well-being of shippers and travelers. high-speed ground transportation
� Evaluate options to ensure the �Evaluation of Passenger/freight rail
benefits of deregulation. trackage issues
� Assess the costs/benefits of high- �Impact of deregulation on
speed ground transportation options for transportation labor
freight and passengers.
� Review the Coast Guard's downsizing �Cost-saving and downsizing strategies
efforts to ensure that they are that may be useful for congressional
fiscally and organizationally sound. oversight of the agencies' budgets for
operating expenses and acquisitions,
� Recommend potential improvements in construction, and improvements
the Coast Guard's and Maritime
Administration's use of resources, � A descriptive analysis of safety
priority setting, oversight and enforcement and environmental
management of programs, and acquisition protection activities.
and planning processes.
�. Determine the impact of the Coast
Guard's budget on implementing key
legislation on pollution and safety.
�. Assess DOT's proposal for �DOT's restructuring proposal
restructuring and streamlining the
department to ensure appropriate �DOT's use of working capital funds
continued emphasis on safety and
infrastructure concerns. �Federal oversight of Denver Airport
and Boston Harbor Tunnel projects
�. Aid the Congress in defining the
appropriate federal role in financing �Effectiveness of DOT's Office of
and oversight of "mega" infrastructure Commercial Space Transportation
projects.
�. Recommend potential improvements in
DOT's and the operating
administrations' contracting,
acquisition, and approval of licenses
for commercial space.
�. Provide information to the Congress � Implementation of legislation to
on manage the transition to more
competitive telecommunications markets
--competitive and regulatory options,
� The U.S. government's ability to
--improvements in the organization and manage the new telecommunications
management at the federal, state, and landscape
local levels,
� State efforts to promote advanced
--security, privacy, and intellectual telecommunications technologies
property rights and consumers' access
to the information superhighway, and
--the nature and impact of other
nations' telecommunications policies
and management.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE II: PLANNED MAJOR WORK
============================================================ Chapter 3
Issue Planned major job starts
------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
Aviation safety --Evaluate FAA's efforts to develop and deploy new
safety technologies
--Review FAA's collection and use of aviation safety
indicators
--Assess FAA's certification and oversight of new
aircraft and airlines
--Evaluate oversight of commuter airlines and general
aviation
--Assess implementation of GAO, NTSB & DOT IG prior
safety recommendations
Aviation --Review restructuring proposals for FAA's air
infrastructure traffic control functions
--Review savings in FAA's fiscal year 1996 facilities
and equipment budget
--Identify status of FAA's air traffic control
modernization program
--Evaluate FAA's acquisition management
--Review passenger facility charge funding of airport
development
--Assess FAA's automation program plan
Surface --Evaluate programs dealing with repeat problem
transportation drivers
safety --Review impact of Amtrak's financial problems on
safety and service quality
--Review rail and truck safety issues relating to
NAFTA and NHS
--Assess ways to improve safety around dangerous
rail/highway grade crossings
--Evaluate ways to achieve goal of 75 percent seat
belt use goal and ensure reliable data
--Assess federal/state and local oversight of
commuter rail safety
--Assess implementation of safety provisions in 1990
Hazardous Materials Transport Act
--Review effectiveness of DOT's Office of Pipeline
Safety
Surface --Evaluate metropolitan planning organizations' role
transportation in post-ISTEA planning
infrastructure --Assess use of private sector finance
--Review conformity provisions of the Clean Air Act
--Assess options for allocating federal highway
funds
--Review federal investment in northeast corridor/
other high-speed rail projects
Competition and --Assess ability of intercity buses to replace
financial health Amtrak
--Assess benefits and costs of high-speed ground
transportation
--Evaluate passenger/freight rail trackage issues
--Review transportation labor under deregulation
Coast Guard and Maritime --Assess MARPOL V enforcement
Administration --Review Coast Guard's use of marine safety billets
--Assess Coast Guard downsizing efforts
--Review implementation status of the Oil Pollution
Control Act of 1990
Cross-cutting --Review DOT's reorganization proposal
and consumer --Review federal oversight of the Boston Harbor
protection Tunnel project
--Review federal oversight of the Denver Airport
project
--Review effectiveness of DOT's Office of Commercial
Space Transportation
--Assess DOT's use of working capital funds,
reimbursable agreements, and inter-appropriation
transfers
Telecommunications, --Assess U.S. government's ability to manage new
competition, and telecommunications landscape
regulation --Review state efforts to promote advanced
telecommunications technologies
--Review issues that affect the competitiveness of
U.S. companies in the global market
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE III: GAO CONTACTS
============================================================ Chapter 4
DIRECTOR
-------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4:0.1
Kenneth Mead (202) 512-2834
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
-------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4:0.2
Gerald L. Dillingham (202) 512-4803
�Responsible for aviation, Coast Guard and maritime issues.
Barry Hill (202) 512-9775
�Responsible for surface transportaion, telecommunications and
cross-cutting issues.
*** End of document. ***