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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg Talks about the Future of Transportation at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center

Tuesday, December 20, 2022
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and U.S. DOT Volpe Center Director Anne Aylward engaged in an interactive Town Hall during the Secretary’s visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and U.S. DOT Volpe Center Director Anne Aylward engaged in an interactive Town Hall during the Secretary’s visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on December 14, 2022. The Secretary challenged us to be “thoughtful, fact-driven, and imaginative,” while contending with new and distinctive transportation challenges during a standing-room-only Town Hall with U.S. DOT Volpe Center and U.S. DOT Region 1 staff. Robert C. Hampshire, PhD, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Chief Science Officer, U.S. DOT, welcomed the Secretary, and Anne Aylward, U.S. DOT Volpe Center Director, moderated the event. NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson was also in attendance. 

“The moment that we’re in right now… is one of unprecedented opportunity and unprecedented challenge,” said the Secretary. “We are faced with…the most multiple and sustained set of problems and disruptions to transportation since the founding of the Center, or even the Department. It’s also the case…that right now, we see this extraordinary moment opening up in front of us with the most resources ever being made available for federal investment in transportation since the founding of this Department and this Center.” 

Secretary Buttigieg fielded questions on a range of topics related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, safety, transportation modernization, innovation, and the role of transportation in enabling wealth creation in underserved communities and project delivery.

The Secretary visited our NextGen and Global Maritime Domain Awareness Laboratories to discuss work underway to improve the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System, Advanced Air Mobility, and recent advancements in maritime domain awareness systems used by 80 nations.

Secretary Buttigieg toured the new U.S. DOT Volpe Center facility, currently under construction and scheduled to open in fall 2023. 

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg takes questions from staff during his visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg takes questions from staff during his visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)

Supporting Safety with Innovative Transportation Technologies

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg engaged with U.S. DOT Volpe Center staff on work underway on Advanced Air Mobility during his visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg engaged with U.S. DOT Volpe Center staff on work underway on Advanced Air Mobility during his visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)
U.S. DOT Volpe Center staff showcased work to enhance the safety of the world’s seas and the stability of the global supply chain, during U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)
U.S. DOT Volpe Center staff showcased work to enhance the safety of the world’s seas and the stability of the global supply chain, during U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)

Supporting the Next Era in Transportation at the New U.S. DOT Volpe Center Facility

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg tours the new U.S. DOT Volpe Center facility on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg tours the new U.S. DOT Volpe Center facility on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)

The Secretary’s visit culminated in a tour of the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s new facility at 220 Binney Street in Kendall Square designed to enhance innovation, collaboration, and flexibility, enabling U.S. DOT to embrace the emerging transportation needs of the future. 

Secretary Buttigieg recognized the facility’s uniquely sustainable features designed to equip researchers with the space and equipment necessary to continue the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s mission to advance transportation innovation for the public good. 

Before touring the new building, Secretary Buttigieg referenced the original U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s historical origins and roots in public service: “It’s fitting that this building came about during the NASA days, and I think that was the moment, this call to serve, that motivated so many people…to be part of this enterprise,” said the Secretary.

“Now is a moment that is ripe for that same call. There is a generation, or generations of Americans who can find meaning…through their involvement in propelling America to the next level.” 

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and U.S. DOT Volpe Center Director Anne Aylward during the Secretary’s visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and U.S. DOT Volpe Center Director Anne Aylward during the Secretary’s visit to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center on December 14, 2022. (U.S. DOT Volpe Center image)

About the U.S. DOT Volpe Center

Celebrating more than 50 years of federal service to the nation, the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s mission is to transform transportation for all.

We're Hiring: Learn more about our open job opportunities, our commitment to equity, and what it’s like to work at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center.