Transportation (Rail) in United States

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 9, 2025

S 1373: USRC Funding Eligibility Act

This bill makes the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) eligible to receive specific federal transportation grants with 100% federal funding. It amends four grant programs (BUILD, National Infrastructure Project Assistance, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure, and Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail) to explicitly include the USRC as an eligible recipient. For all these programs, the bill requires the federal government to cover 100% of eligible project costs for USRC projects, eliminating typical cost-sharing requirements. The bill directly affects the USRC, enabling it to access these federal funds without contributing state or local matching funds. This is a policy change affecting federal grant eligibility and funding structure for the USRC.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Airports Rail

in committee · United States · House Feb 2, 2026

HR 6491: Streamline Transit Projects Act

The Streamline Transit Projects Act (HR 6491) allows large urban transit agencies (with populations over 200,000) to assume responsibility for environmental reviews of routine transit projects, such as bus lanes or minor station upgrades, that typically qualify as "categorical exclusions" under federal law. This means qualifying agencies - like major city transit authorities - can skip full environmental impact studies for these standard projects, instead conducting their own reviews under federal guidelines. The bill requires agencies to meet capacity standards, enter formal agreements with the federal government, and handle all legal liability for compliance, while still maintaining public access to information. The change directly affects large metropolitan transit agencies by shifting environmental review responsibilities from federal officials to local entities, aiming to accelerate project timelines without altering environmental standards.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

in committee · United States · House Jul 22, 2025

HR 4576: Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025

This bill amends federal transit grant rules to incentivize local housing policies near transit. It defines "pro-housing policies" as actions removing regulatory barriers (like eliminating parking minimums or streamlining approvals for multi-family housing) and adds a 1-point scoring boost in grant evaluations for projects demonstrating such policies within walking distance of transit. Local governments and developers seeking federal transit capital grants can earn this boost by documenting these policies, with HUD consulted to assess expected housing outcomes. The policy directly affects how transit projects are scored for funding, aiming to align housing production with transit access.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning Electric Vehicles Public Transit Rail

in committee · United States · House Jun 24, 2025

HR 4095: Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2025

HR 4095, the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act of 2025, extends existing duty hour limits for train employees to specifically include yardmasters. The bill amends federal law to define "yardmaster employee" as someone who supervises and coordinates train movements within rail yards, and adds this role to the rules limiting consecutive work hours. It directly affects rail yard supervisors by requiring the same duty hour restrictions that currently apply to train operators. The key change is formally incorporating yardmasters into the existing regulatory framework without altering the specific hour limits.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workplace Safety Rail

in committee · United States · House Aug 6, 2025

HR 4900: Safe Transit Accountability Act

HR 4900, the Safe Transit Accountability Act, requires transit agencies receiving federal funds to designate a single "accountable executive" responsible for final decisions on safety recommendations. This executive, defined as the top official overseeing safety and asset management plans, must approve or reject safety committee proposals and resolve disputes within the committee. The bill directly affects large public transit systems (like bus or rail agencies) by shifting authority from committee consensus to one individual. It creates a clear accountability structure for implementing safety measures under existing federal safety planning requirements.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Public Transit Rail

in committee · United States · House Jan 14, 2025

HR 341: Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025

HR 341, the Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025, allows states to set rules limiting how long trains can block grade crossings (where roads cross train tracks). It directly affects states, local governments, and railroad carriers by removing federal preemption that previously prevented states from enacting such rules. The bill amends federal law to explicitly state that states can adopt laws, regulations, or requirements restricting the duration of train blockages at crossings. This change gives states authority to address traffic disruptions caused by prolonged train stops without federal interference.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Freight Pedestrian Safety Rail

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 21, 2025

S 2363: Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025

This bill modifies federal transit funding rules to encourage housing development near transit hubs. It defines "pro-housing policies" (like removing parking minimums or streamlining approvals for multi-family housing) and allows projects demonstrating such policies to earn an extra point in funding evaluations. Transit projects applying for capital grants can receive higher funding priority if they show evidence of these policies in areas near transit. The policy directly affects cities, transit agencies, and developers seeking federal transit funding, without mandating new state or local laws. The bill focuses on incentivizing existing housing-friendly practices through grant scoring, not direct housing construction.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning Public Transit Rail

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 28, 2025

S 2478: Freedom to Move Act

The Freedom to Move Act (S 2478) creates a federal grant program to help state and local governments cover costs of implementing fare-free public transportation and improve transit systems, primarily benefiting low-income individuals, foster care youth, and residents of underserved communities (defined as low-income communities of color with inadequate bus service). Eligible entities, including cities, transit agencies, and rural nonprofits, can apply for competitive 5-year grants requiring detailed plans to address transit equity gaps, expand service in underserved areas, and eliminate fare evasion enforcement policies that criminalize low-income riders. Funds can be used for operational costs, safer bus stops, pedestrian infrastructure, and network redesigns prioritizing reliable service for historically marginalized groups. The program is funded with $5 billion annually from 2026-2030, mandating annual reports tracking demographic progress and equity outcomes. It directly affects public transit systems in communities lacking frequent service, aiming to make transportation more accessible and reduce disparities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Pedestrian Safety Public Transit Rail

in committee · United States · House Mar 31, 2025

HR 2515: American Tank Car Modernization Act of 2025

The American Tank Car Modernization Act of 2025 provides $100 million annually (2026-2029) to fund grants for freight railcar owners to install telematics systems or gateway devices on railcars, with priority for tank cars carrying hazardous materials (toxic inhalation, flammable, or hazardous substances). These systems enable real-time tracking of railcar location, asset health, and specific safety metrics like wheel temperature, hatch status, and internal temperatures. The bill requires railcar owners to report on implementation outcomes, including safety incident data and cost efficiency, to Congress within three years. It directly affects railcar operators managing hazardous material transport by modernizing their data collection capabilities.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Data Privacy Freight Rail

in committee · United States · House May 20, 2025

HR 3505: Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025

HR 3505, the Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025, creates a federal grant program administered by the Department of Transportation to fund the installation of proven safety barriers and nets on specific high-risk structures. The program provides competitive grants (up to 80% federal funding) to states, local governments, or other eligible entities for projects installing suicide deterrents on bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail crossings, or rail stations. It prioritizes areas with high suicide rates and mandates a study by the Comptroller General to evaluate effective deterrents for non-bridge structures and their costs, with a report due within one year of enactment. The bill authorizes $10 million annually from 2026-2030 for this initiative.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Mental Health Bridges Rail Roads & Highways

All transportation bills