Office of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy (OST-P)

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy is the office primarily responsible for recommending transportation policy initiatives to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Under Secretary. In addition, the office coordinates initiatives that cut across modes. The office coordinates and works with all S3 Offices in the development of the Department's research agenda to ensure that it is consistent with the Secretary's policy priorities. The office consults with the Director of the Departmental Office of Civil Rights regarding equity and access to ensure and promote compliance with Federal civil rights laws in all transportation policies and initiatives. The Assistant Secretary exercises executive direction over four subordinate offices:
 
Office of Policy Coordination and Development: Provides departmental leadership and coordination in developing modal and intermodal transportation solutions that move people and goods in an efficient manner, provide the foundation for improved productivity growth, strengthen the nation’s ability to compete in the global economy, and obtain the optimum yield from the nation’s transportation resources. Ensures, as appropriate, issues are raised at the Secretarial level for continuity. Serves as the lead office on the development and implementation of the departmental Strategic Plan and collaborates with the other DOT offices to develop legislative proposals and policy priorities.
 
Office of the Chief Economist: Provides leadership on economic issues across the Department. Reviews and recommends policies from a cost-benefit perspective, with particular focus on infrastructure, and reviews and provides economic analysis for proposed regulatory actions. In addition, this office supports the other offices within Transportation Policy to the extent economic expertise is needed. 
 
Office of Environment and Permitting: Provides leadership and coordination on environment and energy issues affecting all aspects of transportation. Manages long-term research, analysis, and initiatives on issues including permitting and project delivery, livability and economic development, environmental impacts, and energy, among others. Maintains the permitting dashboard.
 
Office of Infrastructure Deployment: Reviews and recommends policies concerning the development of infrastructure financing and grant programs, promotes innovation in transportation infrastructure, and provides analysis for proposed program and regulatory actions. In addition, this office oversees the RAISE, INFRA, Mega, Rural, Reconnecting Communities Pilot, and Neighborhood Access and Equity discretionary grant programs. The office also manages the ROUTES initiative.