Skip to main content

Mixed welcome for Trump’s nomination for US Transportation Secretary

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has welcomed Donald Trump’s nomination of Elaine Chao for Transportation Secretary. "This is a step in the right direction as former labour secretary Chao previously served in key leadership positions at the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and in the private sector. She realises the challenges facing the transportation system and how it affects individual businesses and communities and the nation as a whole," said Jeffrey F. Paniati, ITE executive
December 5, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The 5667 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has welcomed Donald Trump’s nomination of Elaine Chao for Transportation Secretary.

"This is a step in the right direction as former labour secretary Chao previously served in key leadership positions at the 324 US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and in the private sector. She realises the challenges facing the transportation system and how it affects individual businesses and communities and the nation as a whole," said Jeffrey F. Paniati, ITE executive director and CEO. "ITE looks forward to continuing our work with USDOT to help serve all users of the transportation system."

However, the Insurance Journal claimed that her record as secretary of labour suggested she might have a light hand when it comes to safety regulation as head of the Transportation Department and would seek to shift responsibility from the federal government to states where possible. It claimed her record suggests she would be sceptical of new safety regulations and may attempt to roll back existing regulations.

Announcing her nomination, Trump said, “Secretary Chao’s extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner.”

“The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country’s infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country,” Chao said in a statement released with Trump’s announcement.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Incoming chair of ITS America looks at the road ahead for ITS
    June 3, 2015
    Jill Ingrassia, incoming chair of ITS America, on the exciting and challenging road ahead. Question: You have been a member of the Board of ITS America since 2008. What, for you, have been the top few standout achievements in that time? Answer: Hosting the 2014 ITS World Congress in Detroit is a clear standout. The meeting was a great convergence of the right people, in the right place, at the right time. The newsworthy events at the World Congress created energy and excitement about ITS America and the fut
  • Dutch survey shows drivers are in favour of road user charging
    January 16, 2012
    'Keep it simple, stupid' is an oft-forgotten axiom but in terms of road user charging it is entirely appropriate. So says the ANWB's Ferry Smith. A couple of decades ago, it might have been largely true that the technology aspects of advanced road infrastructure were the main obstacles to deployment. However, 20 years or more of development have led to a situation where such 'obstacles' are often no more than a political fig-leaf. Area-wide Road User Charging (RUC) is a case in point; speak candidly to syst
  • ITS America announces 'strong slate of leaders' for 2024
    December 8, 2023
    New officers are drawn from public and private sector mobility, technology and ITS sectors
  • ITS America reveals leadership line-up for 2025
    December 12, 2024
    Directors include Cavnue's Chris Armstrong and Seleta Reynolds of LA Metro