Priority Open Recommendations: Department of Transportation

What GAO Found

In June 2024, GAO identified 20 priority recommendations for the Department of Transportation (DOT). Since then, DOT has implemented four of those recommendations, including taking actions to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety. In addition, GAO removed the priority status from one recommendation related to DOT oversight of the air ambulance industry due to actions taken by Congress to enhance the information DOT has to conduct oversight.

In June 2025, GAO identified six new priority recommendations for DOT, bringing the total number to 21. These recommendations involve

• managing cybersecurity risks and information technology,
• improving transparency and communication,
• developing plans to address safety risks, and
• reducing fraud and abuse risks.

DOT's continued attention to these issues could lead to significant improvements in government operations.

Why GAO Did This Study

Priority open recommendations are the GAO recommendations that warrant priority attention from heads of key departments or agencies because their implementation could save large amounts of money; improve congressional and/or executive branch decision-making on major issues; eliminate mismanagement, fraud, and abuse; or ensure that programs comply with laws and funds are legally spent, among other benefits. Since 2015, GAO has sent letters to selected agencies to highlight the importance of implementing such recommendations.

For more information, contact Heather Krause at KrauseH@gao.gov.