First read is on us.

Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news.

The new U.S. transportation secretary has giant shoes to fill


Skift Take

Outgoing secretary Ray LaHood weathered 4+ years of political storms and came out appreciated more than would seem possible. Hope that Foxx was taking notes.

The Transportation Department says former Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx has been sworn in as President Barack Obama's new transportation secretary.

Foxx was sworn in during a private ceremony with his wife and two children Tuesday at the department's headquarters. The department says he's spending his first day focusing on transportation safety and preparedness for hurricanes and severe weather.

Foxx says under his tenure, safety will remain the department's top priority. He says he'll work on efficiency and infrastructure needed to make sure the nation's transportation system works for future generations.

Foxx's background includes stints as a Justice Department attorney and a Democratic aide to the House Judiciary Committee.

The Senate voted unanimously last week to confirm Foxx. The 42-year-old replaces outgoing secretary Ray LaHood, a former Republican congressman.

Copyright (2013) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Up Next

Hotels

How Data Quality Issues Impact Global Hospitality Operations

There are wide discrepancies in data quality for hotel transactions across global regions, with the largest occurring in Asia-Pacific. Because hotels and agencies need to harness data quality to thrive, they must take a more nuanced regional approach to monitoring potential issues.
Sponsored
Online Travel

Inside MakeMyTrip's 'Travel Superapp' Strategy. Is it Doable?

The real challenge for MakeMyTrip isn’t just building an end-to-end travel company — it’s making sure the experience is actually seamless. Can it truly integrate flights, hotels, ground transport, and everything else into one frictionless journey? That’s the test that will define its success or failure.
Airlines

Air India Moves to Capitalize on India-Australia Ties

Post takeover by Tatas, Air India is rapidly expanding operations to capture international traffic from India. Hope the supply delays for new aircraft and retrofits don't put a damper on its plans.