DOT posts Open Gov plan; concrete steps promise transparency, collaboration, citizen participation

This afternoon, DOT is pleased to join its fellow federal departments and agencies in releasing its Open Government Plan.

Federal agencies introduce their Open Gov Plans

President Obama's Open Gov Directive has sparked an unprecedented flurry of activity within the Executive Branch, and DOT has been no exception. Our leadership and employees from across the Department have worked tremendously hard to help create our Open Government Plan.

A PDF version of our plan is now available, and a web version of the plan will be available soon on our Open Gov site.

As we continue moving toward President Obama's goal of increased transparency, participation, collaboration, and innovation, we will refine and enhance our strategic efforts. So we welcome public comment about our plan at www.opendot.ideascale.com or by email at open@dot.gov.

Now, just because we've posted a new plan doesn't mean we haven't already been working to fulfill the President's vision of a more open government. The blog you're reading right now--and the comments many of you have posted--comprise only one example of this DOT working hard to increase transparency and public engagement.

Just last week we launched a historic e-rulemaking partnership with Cornell University Law School to open the regulatory process to more effective citizen participation. Together, we have made our Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed texting ban accessible to public participation in "Regulation Room," an online space where citizens can learn about and discuss proposed federal regulations.

Our Research and Innovative Technology Administration recently launched an open competition for innovative ideas that use the Clarus weather information system to improve roadway safety during severe weather.

And in September 2009, we provided a live webcast of our Distracted Driving Summit that allowed viewers to submit questions and comments to our panelists. We even provided a live-blog of the event so viewers could exchange comments and thoughts with our staff and with each other. This effort was a huge success, with over 30,000 viewers from all 50 states and 12 different countries.

I could go on, but I think the point is clear. Today--thanks to the hard work of DOT leadership and employees--we release the DOT Open Gov Plan. But we at DOT have been enthusiastically pushing our Department forward to greater, more effective openness for a long time.

Comments

[Fergus Nolan]

Open government at DOT - great idea. My Freedom of Information Act request, case number 211048, for which I have a receipt dated December 4th 2009, has just had its response (delivered by mail on April 6th).

By law, DOT had 20 working days days to respond to an FIOA request, mine took a total of almost 4 months, or over 70 days.

Just obeying existing open government law would be an improvement for DOT.

[matt]

Open government would be nice hope it happens :)

[Andy]

So many agencies require that requests be written in a letter. I suggest that requests be in an email instead. That way those who open the letters don't have to worry about foreign substances, strange powders etc. You should have a special email link for those requests as should all levels of government.

[Fusion grill]

Open government doing best job for citizen.

[Concrete]

Open government are doing great job

[Rachel]

I think so as well. Transparency is needed. Government should be here for people.