Legal Definitions - Research and Special Programs Administration

The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Its main job is to do research and run special programs related to transportation safety. RSPA has several offices that work on different areas of transportation safety.

• Office of Hazardous Materials Safety
• Office of Pipeline Safety
• Transportation Systems Center
• Office of Emergency Transportation
• Office of Program Management and Administration
• Office of Aviation Information Management

For example, the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety works to make sure that dangerous materials are transported safely. The Office of Pipeline Safety works to make sure that pipelines that transport oil and gas are safe. The Transportation Systems Center works on improving transportation systems, like highways and airports.

RSPA is important because it helps keep people safe when they travel. By doing research and running special programs, RSPA can find ways to make transportation safer for everyone.