Transportation (Public Transit) in United States

in committee · United States · House May 24, 2025

HR 3586: To establish limitations on advanced payments for bus rolling stock, and for other purposes.

This bill (HR 3586) modifies federal transit funding rules to allow transit agencies to make advance payments for new buses without requiring manufacturers to provide a performance bond. It sets strict limits: agencies may pay no more than 20% of the total bus purchase price upfront, and must have a signed contract with the manufacturer, preaward approval, and meet other existing requirements. The bill directly affects transit agencies receiving federal funds under Title 49 for bus purchases. It changes how agencies can structure payments but does not alter funding amounts or create new financial obligations. The key change is removing the performance bond requirement while imposing a 20% cap on advance payments.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Public Transit Rail

in committee · United States · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3806: SECURES Act of 2026

This bill requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to propose new federal safety standards for seat belts on all new school buses within 180 days of enactment. It directs the Secretary to specifically consider lap/shoulder belt systems (Type 2), safety findings from the National Transportation Safety Board, and existing state practices where seat belts are already required. The proposed rules must also evaluate innovative seat belt detection and reminder systems for school bus designs. The bill directly affects manufacturers of new school buses and aims to establish uniform federal seat belt requirements for all new vehicles, regardless of size.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Traffic Safety

in committee · United States · House Dec 18, 2025

HR 6839: Vaccine Transportation Access Act

HR 6839, the Vaccine Transportation Access Act, provides federal grants to nonprofit community organizations that serve low-income or minority communities facing transportation barriers to vaccines. The grants fund projects like on-demand rides, first/last mile transportation to vaccine sites, and expanded transit coordination to reduce missed appointments. Recipients must track performance metrics and report outcomes to the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill also adds a provision ensuring 100% federal funding for nonemergency vaccine-related transportation costs under Medicaid plans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Medicaid Electric Vehicles Public Transit

in committee · United States · House Jul 24, 2025

HR 4719: Freedom to Move Act

HR 4719, the Freedom to Move Act, would create $5 billion in federal grants to help cities, counties, and transit agencies make public transportation free and improve service quality. Local governments applying for these grants must demonstrate how they will redesign bus routes to prioritize low-income and minority neighborhoods, eliminate criminal penalties for fare evasion, and address transit gaps in underserved communities. The grants cover lost fare revenue and fund specific improvements like safer bus stops, dedicated bus lanes, and better service frequency. This directly affects transit agencies and riders in communities currently lacking reliable, affordable transportation options.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

in committee · United States · House Feb 10, 2026

HR 7429: Miranda’s Law

HR 7429, "Miranda’s Law," creates a national system requiring automatic notifications to employers when school bus drivers (or other commercial drivers with school bus endorsements) face license issues like moving violations, suspensions, or accidents. It directly affects school districts, schools, and private transportation companies that provide student transportation, mandating their participation in the notification service. The law replaces annual employer checks of driver records by requiring states to implement the service within two years, while also ensuring drivers receive simultaneous copies of these notifications. This system aims to improve safety by ensuring employers are promptly informed of driver license changes affecting school bus operations.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

in committee · United States · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 3661: PATH to Education Act

S 3661, the PATH to Education Act, creates new grants for public transit providers to partner with community colleges, Head Start programs, minority-serving institutions, career schools, and rural colleges to improve transportation access. Grants fund specific projects like adding bus stops/routes, increasing service frequency for student commutes, or covering operating costs for transit connecting to eligible institutions. The bill allocates $1 million in 2027 (rising to $5 million by 2031) for these grants, with priority given to partnerships involving schools where over 25% of students receive federal Pell Grants. This directly affects transit agencies, educational institutions serving low-income students, and Head Start participants needing reliable transportation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Transportation Student Financial Aid Public Transit Rail

in committee · United States · House Feb 2, 2026

HR 6635: Bus Operator Safety and Security Act

HR 6635, the Bus Operator Safety and Security Act, requires new fixed-route buses over 30 feet long (with a 10+ year lifespan) purchased using federal transit funds to have physical barriers at the driver's workstation. These barriers must extend from floor to ceiling, fully enclose the workstation to block entry of people or objects, and not obstruct the driver's view. Transit agencies must install these barriers within two years of the law's enactment, unless the labor union representing bus drivers agrees to waive the requirement. The rule applies only to new buses bought with federal funds (excluding those from rural transportation programs) and directly affects transit agencies and bus drivers operating large fixed-route vehicles.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Public Transit Rail Traffic Safety

in committee · United States · House Jan 23, 2026

HR 7204: School Bus Stop-Arm Safety Camera Act

HR 7204, the School Bus Stop-Arm Safety Camera Act, directs federal agencies to study the benefits of requiring school buses to have stop-arm safety cameras and establish a grant program for states to adopt the technology. The bill requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to publish study findings and recommendations on data privacy, law enforcement sharing, and funding models within one year of enactment. It then authorizes the Transportation Secretary to create a grant program within 18 months, providing funds to state educational agencies to purchase or retrofit school buses with these cameras, or to install/maintain the technology. The law directly affects school districts and state education agencies by enabling financial support for implementing camera systems to improve student safety at bus stops.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Data Privacy Public Transit Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · United States · House Feb 2, 2026

HR 6889: BRIDGE Act

The BRIDGE Act (HR 6889) creates a new federal grant program to fund the repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of bridges used in commuter rail operations. Public transportation operators can apply for competitive grants covering capital costs, with requirements including a bridge access agreement if the operator doesn’t own the bridge and eligibility limited to projects with projected usage-based costs. The bill authorizes $1.5 billion annually for fiscal years 2027-2031, prioritizing bridges in poor condition or identified for replacement in transit agencies’ asset management plans. It defines "commuter rail bridge" to include structures also used for intercity rail, other transit, or roadways.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bridges Public Transit Rail

in committee · United States · House Nov 20, 2025

HR 6173: Public Transit Crime Prevention Act

This bill creates federal crimes targeting vandalism and assaults on public transit systems. It makes damaging vehicles or facilities with graffiti punishable by up to 5 years in prison (10 years for repeat offenses or $1,000+ damage), and assaults on workers or passengers punishable by 5-20 years (15-20 years with weapons, injury, or prior convictions). Courts must order full restitution for property damage. The law applies only to transit systems using federal funds, affecting interstate commerce, or involved in commerce.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights Violent Crime Public Transit Rail Roads & Highways

All transportation bills