Legal Definitions - BTS

The acronym BTS can refer to two distinct entities within the U.S. government, both related to transportation:

• 1. Border and Transportation Safety Directorate

  This refers to a former division within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), established shortly after the September 11th attacks. Its primary mission was to secure the nation's borders and transportation systems against terrorism and other threats. While the Directorate itself no longer exists in its original form, its functions were largely integrated into other agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

  • Example 1: After the creation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, government officials discussed how the newly formed Border and Transportation Safety Directorate would coordinate efforts between agencies like the Coast Guard and the Border Patrol to enhance national security.

    Explanation: This example illustrates the historical context of the BTS Directorate as a key organizational component within the early DHS, focusing on the coordination of security efforts across various border and transportation agencies.

  • Example 2: A historian researching early 21st-century U.S. security policy might come across documents detailing the strategic objectives set by the Border and Transportation Safety Directorate for protecting commercial aviation from terrorist threats.

    Explanation: This demonstrates how the BTS Directorate was responsible for developing and implementing policies aimed at securing specific modes of transportation, such as air travel, against national security risks.

• 2. Bureau of Transportation Statistics

  This is a current federal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. Its role is to collect, analyze, and make available a wide range of data on the nation's transportation system. This data covers various aspects, including passenger travel, freight movement, transportation infrastructure, safety, and the economic impact of transportation, providing crucial information for policymakers, researchers, and the public.

  • Example 1: A city planner preparing a proposal for a new public transit line might consult data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to understand current commuter patterns and traffic congestion levels in the metropolitan area.

    Explanation: This shows how the BTS provides essential data that informs urban planning and infrastructure development decisions by offering insights into how people currently travel.

  • Example 2: An economist studying the supply chain disruptions caused by a major hurricane would likely refer to reports published by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics detailing the volume of goods transported by truck and rail before and after the event.

    Explanation: This illustrates the BTS's role in providing statistical information that helps analyze the economic impact of events on freight movement and the broader supply chain.

  • Example 3: A journalist writing an article about the safest modes of travel in the U.S. could cite statistics from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics on accident rates for different types of transportation, such as air travel versus automobile travel.

    Explanation: This highlights the BTS's function in collecting and disseminating safety-related data across various transportation sectors, making it a reliable source for public information and analysis.