Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
DOTRSCBS0012
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Office of the Administrator
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Department of Transportation: Office of the Administrator
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Administrator
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

-The regulations delegate adjudicatory power over these cases to the FTA Administrator (i.e., the agency head). See 49 CFR 605.30 - 605.34.

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
No
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
49 CFR 605.30 - 605.35
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
Yes (Some Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
Written (Document-Only) Hearing
In-Person
How is the type of hearing selected: 
By Agency
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
One
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?: 
Yes
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
Yes
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
Are hearings open to the public?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
-Evidentiary hearings are held at the Administrator's discretion. See 49 CFR 605.32. Regulations do not specify whether these hearings are open to the public.
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who typically drafts the decision at the hearing-level stage?: 
Adjudication Officer
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Adjudication Officer
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?: 
No
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
Yes (Some Decisions)
If "Yes (Some Decisions)," how does the agency determine which final decisions to publish/post? Please briefly describe: 
-A small number of decisions are posted on the agency's website: http://www.fta.dot.gov/legislation_law/12923_8724.html.
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
If "Yes," please provide citation(s): 
-49 CFR 605.33(a): "After reviewing the results of such investigation, including hearing transcripts, if any, and all evidence submitted by the parties, the Administrator will make a written determination as to whether the respondent has engaged in school bus operations in violation of the terms of the agreement."
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Comments
Comments/Notes on Hearing-Level Process & Procedures (Optional): 
- The process specified by 49 CFR Part 605 is more inquisitorial than adversarial. No agency representative is present beyond the decisionmaker. -49 CFR 605.33(a) states that the Administrator makes his final determination "[a]fter reviewing the results of [the] investigation, including hearing transcripts, if any, and all evidence submitted by the parties."
ADJUDICATORS
Total # of Hearing Officers: 
1
ADR: General Information
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?: 
No
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified