[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5230 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5230
To amend chapter 53, United States Code, to increase local bus service
to levels needed to combat the climate crisis, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 9, 2025
Mr. Frost introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend chapter 53, United States Code, to increase local bus service
to levels needed to combat the climate crisis, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Faster Buses
Better Futures Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Bus network redesign grants.
Sec. 3. Transit stop shelter and station accessibility.
Sec. 4. Transit priority measures.
Sec. 5. State purchasing for bus stop equipment.
Sec. 6. Federal Transit Administration staffing and administrative
funding.
SEC. 2. BUS NETWORK REDESIGN GRANTS.
Chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 5307(c)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (K), by striking ``and'' at the
end; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(M) plans to complete a bus network redesign by
fiscal year 2045 and, beginning in fiscal year 2045 and
each fiscal year thereafter, has completed a bus
network redesign in the preceding 20-year period;
and''; and
(2) in section 5339--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) by amending paragraph (2) to read as
follows:
``(2) Grant considerations.--In making grants under this
subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) consider the age and condition of buses, bus
fleets, related equipment, and bus-related facilities;
and
``(B) give priority to eligible recipients who have
received a grant under subsection (e) and have
successfully increased bus ridership as a result of the
bus network redesign carried out with such grant.'';
and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(12) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection
$20,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2026 through
2030.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Bus Network Redesign Grants.--
``(1) Grants authorized.--Not later than 720 days after the
date of enactment of the Faster Buses Better Futures Act, the
Secretary shall establish a program to award grants, on a
competitive basis, to eligible entities.
``(2) Application.--To receive a grant under this
subsection, an eligible entity shall complete an eligible bus
network redesign and submit to the Secretary an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Secretary may require, including--
``(A) an overview of the existing bus network;
``(B) an overview of the eligible bus network
redesign;
``(C) an analysis of the impact of the bus network
redesign on--
``(i) service hours; and
``(ii) route miles;
``(D) an analysis demonstrating that the eligible
bus network redesign can increase transit ridership by
100 percent not later than 6 years after such redesign
is implemented;
``(E) an evaluation examining any equity and
mobility gaps in each transit system operated by the
eligible entity or in the geographic area under the
jurisdiction of the eligible entity, and how the
eligible bus network redesign will significantly close
such gaps, including--
``(i) public transit ridership rates,
disaggregated by--
``(I) mode of transit; and
``(II) demographic group, including
youth (including foster care youth),
seniors, individuals with disabilities,
and low-income individuals; and
``(ii) average length of bus routes,
average speed of bus routes, and average delay
times of bus routes;
``(F) an estimation of additional costs that the
eligible entity will incur in order to implement the
eligible bus network redesign, including--
``(i) fuel costs;
``(ii) personnel costs;
``(iii) maintenance costs; and
``(iv) other operational costs; and
``(G) a description of eligible projects that the
eligible entity intends to carry out to implement the
eligible bus network redesign, including--
``(i) expanding bus fleets; and
``(ii) constructing additional bus garages.
``(3) Grant uses.--A grant awarded under this section may
only be used to--
``(A) carry out eligible projects; and
``(B) pay for the difference in operating costs
between the existing level of fixed-route bus service
and the level outlined in the eligible bus network
redesign submitted pursuant to paragraph (2).
``(4) Federal share.--
``(A) Eligible projects.--The Federal share of the
costs described in paragraph (3)(A) shall be 80
percent.
``(B) First 3-year period.--In calculating the
Federal share of the costs described in paragraph
(3)(B)--
``(i) for the 3-year period beginning on
the date on which an eligible entity receives a
grant under this subsection, such Federal share
shall be 100 percent; and
``(ii) for any period of a grant award that
is during the 3-year period beginning on the
date on which the period described in clause
(i) ends, such Federal share shall be 33
percent.
``(5) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subsection,
the Secretary shall prioritize awarding grants to eligible
entities that propose an eligible bus network redesign that is
capable of increasing transit ridership by the largest
percentage.
``(6) Conditions of grant assistance.--As a condition of
receiving a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity
shall--
``(A) in the case of an entity that is a recipient
of a grant under section 5307--
``(i) report to the Federal Transit
Administration, for inclusion in the National
Transit Database--
``(I) the service frequency,
vehicle revenue hours, and unlinked
passenger trips originating and
terminating in areas of persistent
poverty and underserved communities;
``(II) the number of jobs and
essential services accessible by
transit, and improvement in such
access, including specific reporting on
access by transit for areas of
persistent poverty and underserved
communities; and
``(III) any other data the
Secretary determines necessary and
appropriate; and
``(ii) during the 1-year period preceding
the date on which the entity receives such
grant, and at least every 2 years thereafter,
conduct a survey of transit riders and
nonriding residents of areas of persistent
poverty and underserved communities on transit
service improvements, using means designed to
maximize participation from riders and
nonriders, and publish the survey results in an
online format;
``(B) in the case of an entity that is Indian
Tribe--
``(i) report to the Federal Transit
Administration, for inclusion in the National
Transit Database--
``(I) revenue vehicle hours and
unlinked passenger trips; and
``(II) any other data the Secretary
determines necessary and appropriate;
and
``(ii) during the 1-year period preceding
the date on which the entity receives such
grant, and at least every 2 years thereafter,
conduct a survey of transit riders and
nonriding residents of the service area on
transit service improvements, using means
designed to maximize participation from riders
and nonriders, and publish the survey results
in an online format; and
``(C) in the case of an entity that is a State
receiving a grant under section 5311--
``(i) report to the Federal Transit
Administration, for inclusion in the National
Transit Database--
``(I) revenue vehicle hours for
each State, including revenue vehicle
hours and unlinked passenger trips
originating and terminating in areas of
persistent poverty and underserved
communities; and
``(II) any other data the Secretary
determines necessary and appropriate;
``(ii) provide an annually updated report
to the Secretary--
``(I) that identifies underserved
communities and areas of persistent
poverty in the nonurbanized areas of
the State that do not have any reported
public transit services, or in which
either the availability or utilization
of rural public transit is in the
bottom quintile of all rural public
transit services in the United States,
using measurements identified by the
Secretary; and
``(II) that describes progress
toward achieving a strategy for
establishing high-quality transit
service in such communities and areas;
and
``(iii) during the 1-year period preceding
the date on which the State receives such
grant, and at least every 2 years thereafter,
conduct a survey of transit riders and
nonriding residents of areas of persistent
poverty and underserved communities within the
State regarding transit service improvements,
using means designed to maximize participation
from riders and nonriders, and publishes the
survey results in an online format.
``(7) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
be construed to prevent an eligible entity from implementing a
redesigned bus network through the use of any other Federal or
non-Federal funds.
``(8) Authorization of appropriations.--To carry out this
subsection, there is authorized to be appropriated
$250,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2026 through
2030.
``(9) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Additional forms of collective
transportation.--The term `additional forms of
collective transportation' means forms of collective
transportation that are not considered public
transportation, including intercity passenger rail
transportation, intercity bus service, and school bus
service.
``(B) Area of persistent poverty.--The term `area
of persistent poverty' means--
``(i) a county that has consistently had
greater than or equal to 20 percent of the
population of such county living in poverty
during the most recent 30-year period for which
data is available, as measured by the 1990 and
2000 decennial censuses; or
``(ii) a census tract with a poverty rate
of at least 20 percent as measured by the 2014
through 2018 5-year data series available from
the American Community Survey of the Bureau of
the Census.
``(iii) Eligible bus network redesign.--The
term `eligible bus network redesign' means a
fixed route bus network redesign that--
``(I) through eligible projects, is
expected to increase total transit
network ridership levels by 100 percent
more than such ridership levels as of
April 1, 2025, by the end of the 6-year
period beginning on the date of
implementation of such redesign;
``(II) is informed by extensive,
equitable outreach to affected
communities, underserved communities,
and areas of persistent poverty
communities; and
``(III) does not rely on ridership
increases from--
``(aa) microtransit;
``(bb) automated buses; and
``(cc) fare elimination.
``(iv) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible
entity' means a recipient of funds under
section 5307 or 5311.
``(v) Eligible project.--The term `eligible
project' means any project, or program of
projects, that is implemented as part of an
eligible bus network redesign, including--
``(I) a project that reconfigures
routes to better serve trips
individuals are seeking to take;
``(II) a project that improves
integration of fixed route bus service
and--
``(aa) higher order forms
of public transportation; and
``(bb) additional forms of
collective transportation;
``(III) a project that consolidates
stops on fixed route bus service;
``(IV) a project that rationalizes
fare policies through means such as
fare integration, fare capping, and
fare subsidization;
``(V) a project that decreases
headways;
``(VI) a project that expands
service area, hours, or days;
``(VII) a project for new or
increased frequent nonfixed guideway
service or frequent fixed guideway
service; and
``(VIII) associated capital
improvements related to projects
described in clauses (i) through (vii).
``(vi) Higher-order forms of public
transportation.--The term `higher-order forms
of public transportation' means bus rapid
transit, light rail transit, heavy rail
transit, and commuter rail.
``(vii) Overview.--The term `overview'
means a list of routes on a bus network, a
timetable for each route, and a map showing
each route, with connections to higher-order
forms of public transportation and additional
collective transportation noted on the
timetable and map.
``(viii) Underserved community.--The term
`underserved community' means--
``(I) a census tract or block
numbering area in which the median
income does not exceed 80 percent of
the area median income;
``(II) families with income not
greater than 100 percent of the area
median income that reside in minority
census tracts;
``(III) families with income not
greater than 100 percent of the area
median income that reside in areas
affected by disasters, as determined by
the Administrator of the Federal
Transit Administration;
``(IV) a census tract that has a
minority population of at least 30
percent or a median income of less than
100 percent of the area median income;
``(V) a community that has low
access to jobs and essential services,
as determined by the Secretary; or
``(VI) a census block or group of
geographically contiguous census blocks
in which the population of any racial
or ethnic minority individuals,
individually or in combination,
comprises 30 percent or more of the
population of persons in the census
block or group of geographically
contiguous census blocks.''.
SEC. 3. TRANSIT STOP SHELTER AND STATION ACCESSIBILITY.
Section 5337 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(g) Bus Stop Shelter Reimbursement Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall reimburse an
eligible entity for installing bus stop shelters if such entity
followed the formal process established under paragraph (3) for
the installation of each such shelter.
``(2) Reimbursement amount.--The Secretary shall annually
determine the amount for which an eligible entity shall be
reimbursed for each bus stop shelter that such entity verifies
has been successfully installed, including any additional
amounts necessary for bus stop shelters to meet different
weather standards. The Secretary shall set such amount at a
level that--
``(A) maintains purchasing power for the eligible
entity relying on such amount;
``(B) ensures that such amount is sufficient to
discourage inflation; and
``(C) incentivizes eligible entities to use
products covered by a Federal purchasing schedule
authorized under section 5 of the Faster Buses Better
Futures Act.
``(3) Establishment of formal process.--The Secretary shall
establish a formal process for the instillation of bus stop
shelters to be reimbursable under this subsection that
includes--
``(A) an annual notice of funding opportunity that
requires an eligible entity seeking reimbursement to--
``(i) submit to the Secretary a bus shelter
plan;
``(ii) each year after the submission of a
plan under clause (i), submit to the Secretary
a report containing--
``(I) the progress the eligible
entity has made in implementing the bus
shelter plan with both Federal and non-
Federal funds; and
``(II) the total cost of the bus
stop shelters installed by such entity;
``(iii) indicate the quantity and location
of proposed bus stop shelters;
``(iv) ensure that each proposed bus stop
shelter meets weather standards; and
``(v) indicate how the proposed bus stop
shelter installations will be coordinated with
any other capital projects taking place at bus
stops with such proposed installations,
including--
``(I) projects funded under section
5309;
``(II) transit priority measures
authorized under section 5323(w); and
``(III) projects funded under
subsection (h); and
``(B) a period between 270 and 365 days after the
Notice of Funding Opportunity opens in which the
eligible entity provides to the Secretary--
``(i) the number and location of the bus
stop shelters proposed in the bus shelter plan
that have been installed; and
``(ii) verification, in a form determined
by the Secretary, that the bus stop shelters
identified in clause (i)--
``(I) were constructed; and
``(II) meet weather standards.
``(4) Grant requirements.--Except as otherwise provided in
this subsection, amounts provided under this subsection shall
be subject to the requirements of section 5307 of title 49,
United States Code.
``(5) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(B) Bus shelter plan.--The term `bus shelter
plan' means a plan prepared by an eligible entity
that--
``(i) identifies which bus stops under the
jurisdiction of the entity that do not either
shelter, seating, or both;
``(ii) the order of priority for installing
bus stop shelters at stops identified in clause
(i); and
``(iii) how the order of priority listed in
clause (ii) addresses equity of service to all
riders regardless of whether the riders are
low-income, seniors, or members of a community
of color.
``(C) Bus stop shelter.--The term `bus stop
shelter' means a structure installed at a stop on a
fixed-route bus service that--
``(i) meets weather standards;
``(ii) provides seating; and
``(iii) has signage that tracks arrival
time of transit vehicles.
``(D) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
means a recipient or subrecipient of assistance under
section 5307 or 5311.
``(E) Weather standards.--The term `weather
standards' means guidelines, as determined by the
Secretary, outlining what protection a bus stop shelter
provides individuals based on weather conditions,
including--
``(i) levels of rain, snow, and other types
of precipitation;
``(ii) heat and sunshine; and
``(iii) extreme cold.
``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated $1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026
through 2030 to provide grants under this subsection.
``(h) All Stations Accessibility Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants under this
subsection to assist eligible entities in financing capital
projects to upgrade accessibility for individuals with
disabilities by increasing the number of covered stations that
meet the construction standards of title II of the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.).
``(2) Eligible costs.--A grant awarded under this section
shall be used by an eligible entity for the purpose described
in paragraph (1) only--
``(A) for a project to repair, improve, or relocate
station infrastructure at a covered station;
``(B) to develop or modify a plan for pursuing
public transportation accessibility projects; or
``(C) to carry out other projects at covered
stations that meet the construction standards of title
II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12131 et seq.).
``(3) Eligible facilities.--The Secretary--
``(A) may not provide a grant under this subsection
to upgrade a station that is accessible to, and usable
by, individuals with disabilities consistent with
construction standards under title II the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 1231 et seq.);
and
``(B) may provide a grant to upgrade a station that
is not accessible and usable as described in paragraph
(1), even if related services, programs, or activities,
if viewed in entirety, are readily accessible and
usable as so described.
``(4) Application.--To apply for a grant under this
subsection, an applicant shall provide to the Secretary such
information as the Secretary may require, including information
on--
``(A) the extent to which the proposed project will
increase the accessibility of a covered system;
``(B) projected improvements in access to jobs,
community activities, and essential destinations
provided by such project;
``(C) the applicant's plans to--
``(i) enhance the customer experience and
maximize accessibility of stations, and the
transit options such stations serve, for
individuals with disabilities;
``(ii) improve the operations of, provide
efficiencies of service to, and enhance the
public transportation system for individuals
with disabilities; and
``(iii) address equity of service to all
riders regardless of whether the riders are
low-income, seniors, or members of a community
of color; and
``(D) coordination between the applicant and
disability advocacy entities.
``(5) Federal share.--The Federal share of the total
project cost of a grant provided under this subsection shall be
90 percent. The recipient may provide additional local matching
amounts.
``(6) Grant requirements.--Except as otherwise provided
under this subsection, a grant provided under this subsection
shall be subject to the requirements of section 5307.
``(7) Grant solicitation.--The Secretary may provide funds
authorized under this subsection through 1 or more notices of
funding opportunity.
``(8) Funding .--
``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to provide grants
under this subsection.
``(B) Availability of amounts.--Amounts made
available under this subsection shall be available for
a period of 4 fiscal years after the fiscal year in
which the amount is made available.
``(9) Definitions.--In this section:
``(A) Covered station.--The term `covered station'
means a bus station, a multimodal transfer station, or
a rail fixed guideway public transportation station for
passenger use constructed prior to the date of
enactment of the Faster Buses Better Futures Act.
``(B) Disability.--The term `disability' has the
meaning given such term in section 3 of the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
``(C) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
means--
``(i) a recipient or subrecipient of
assistance under section 5307 or 5311; or
``(ii) a State or local government that
operates a rail fixed guideway public
transportation system that was in operation
before July 26, 1990.''.
SEC. 4. TRANSIT PRIORITY MEASURES.
(a) In General.--Section 5323 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(w) Prioritizing Transit Vehicles.--
``(1) In general.--The owners of public rights-of-way shall
cooperate to the maximum extent feasible with transit providers
to ensure that transit vehicles that run at grade are able to
complete routes in as reliable and frequent a manner as
possible.
``(2) By-right transit priority measures.--A transit
provider may request that the owner of a public right-of-way
implement transit priority measures on suitable corridors and
the owner of said public right-of-way shall carry out specified
collaboration with the transit provider to complete such
request to the satisfaction of the transit provider.
``(3) Consultation of federal transit administration.--If a
transit provider determines that a request for transit priority
measures has not been adequately incorporated into a project on
a suitable corridor or the owner of a public right-of-way
believes that a transit provider is making unreasonable
requests, the transit provider or the public right-of-way owner
may request that the regional office of the Federal Transit
Administration make a determination on the matter. Such
regional office shall defer to the transit provider unless the
owner of the public right-of-way can provide evidence--
``(A) that allocating funding to implement
requested transit priority measures would threaten the
state of good repair of the overall public
transportation system, even if funds from all projects
to construct new capacity, or maintain existing
capacity through reconstruction, for single-occupancy
passenger vehicles were reallocated to either--
``(i) implementing requested transit
priority measures; or
``(ii) maintaining the state of good repair
of the overall transportation system; or
``(B) that--
``(i) the benefits a transit provider
expects to see from the implementation of
requested transit priority measures are
factually incorrect as based on--
``(I) transportation demand
modeling; and
``(II) real-world examples of
similar projects in the United States
and other countries; and
``(ii) the corridor where transit priority
measures have been requested is not actually a
suitable corridor.
``(4) Prevention of compliance-avoiding service
alterations.--A transit provider may not alter the frequency of
service on fixed-route transit service with the purpose of
ensuring a public right-of-way does not meet the requirements
of a suitable corridor.
``(5) Penalties for non-compliance.--If a regional office
of the Federal Transit Administration finds by a preponderance
of the evidence that a public right-of-way owner is not
complying with paragraph (2) or a transit provider is in
violation of paragraph (4), the Secretary shall not award any
discretionary grants to that public right-of-way owner for the
following year.
``(6) In-kind match.--Of the non-Federal share required for
any projects that complete transit priority measures requested
through this subsection, 25 percent may be derived from amounts
expended for associated capital improvements related to a
project or program that implements transit priority measures.
``(7) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Specified collaboration.--The term `specified
collaboration' means--
``(i) the owner of a public right-of-way
about which a transit provider has made a
formal request shall--
``(I) respond not later than 180
days after the date on which such owner
submits such request with--
``(aa) the expected cost of
implementing the requested
transit priority measures;
``(bb) an identification of
any funding sources such owner
expects to use to construct the
requested transit priority
measures; and
``(cc) any timelines for
completion of the construction
of such measure, depending on
any variations in
circumstances, taking into
consideration--
``(AA) how existing
funds from chapter 53
of title 49 and chapter
1 of title 23 are
spent; and
``(BB) how long it
may take to access
additional needed
funding; and
``(II) work with transit providers
to create the maximum feasible impact
of implementing transit priority
measures in the most expeditious manner
possible by--
``(aa) adding transit
priority measures to all
projects scheduled to begin
construction not later than 365
days of the date of enactment
of this subsection, including--
``(AA) all new
construction and
reconstruction or
retrofit projects; and
``(BB) all
maintenance projects
and ongoing operations,
such as resurfacing,
repaving, restriping,
or rehabilitation; and
``(bb) proposing amendments
to the applicable
transportation improvement
program and statewide
transportation improvement
program to--
``(AA) ensure
projects on rights-of-
way identified as
suitable corridors in
formal requests include
transit priority
measures requested by
transit providers; and
``(BB) prioritize
implementing projects
identified in formal
requests by transit
providers; and
``(ii) not later than 120 days before
carrying out a project on a suitable corridor
for which the owner of a public right-of-way is
required to produce a plan under section 5303
or 5304, such owner shall alert any transit
provider operating on that corridor or
operating in the same jurisdiction as that
corridor and work cooperatively with the
transit provider to incorporate any transit
priority measures requested by the transit
provider into the project.
``(B) Formal request.--The term `formal request'
means a request submitted to the owner of the public
right-of-way that a suitable corridor is on, with
copies sent to the applicable regional offices of the
Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway
Administration, indicating--
``(i) the location at which the transit
provider would like the right-of-way owner to
implement transit priority measures;
``(ii) which transit priority measures such
provider would like the right-of-way owner to
implement;
``(iii) whether or not the requested
transit priority measures--
``(I) would be immediately
implementable through projects that
would qualify for funding under section
5309; or
``(II) would set up the suitable
corridor for the implementation of
additional transit priority measures
that would qualify for funding under
section 5309;
``(iv) the order of priority for the
implementation of requested transit priority
measures;
``(v) an explanation of how the transit
priority measures align with the program of
projects required by sections--
``(I) 5307(b);
``(II) 5310(b)(6); and
``(III) 5311(2);
``(vi) the benefits for transit riders that
they expect to see from the implementation of
the transit priority measures; and
``(vii) the conditions that make the
identified right-of-way a suitable corridor for
transit priority measures.
``(C) Suitable corridors.--The term `suitable
corridors' means--
``(i) the right-of-way and quarter-mile on
either end of a right-of-way where--
``(I) at least six buses are
scheduled to run each hour; or
``(II) there are at least 2 lanes
in each direction for all-purpose
vehicle travel; or
``(ii) any right-of-way where light rail
vehicles are scheduled to run at a frequency of
at least 6 vehicles per hour.
``(D) Transit-friendly intersections projects.--The
term `transit-friendly intersections projects' means
projects that include--
``(i) converting a stop-sign to a traffic
signal;
``(ii) adding a turn arrow signal, which
may or may not be bus-activated; and
``(iii) traffic signal priority.
``(E) Transit-friendly streets projects.--The term
`transit-friendly streets projects' means projects that
include--
``(i) the addition, improvement, or
widening of sidewalks;
``(ii) the conversion of on-street parking
spaces to designated loading zones;
``(iii) the consolidation or removal of
underutilized or duplicative driveways;
``(iv) the installation of transit-only
lanes that have restricted access for
nonemergency vehicles, including--
``(I) curbside transit-only lanes;
``(II) median transit-only lanes
with either left- or right-side door
boarding;
``(III) offset transit-only lanes
that are paired with either transit
stop bump outs or boarding islands to
ensure that parked vehicles do not
prevent transit riders from onboarding
or offboarding a transit vehicle; and
``(IV) dedicated transit-only lanes
on limited-access highways;
``(v) the introduction of turn restrictions
to prevent through-traffic by nontransit
vehicles; and
``(vi) the conversion of a right-of-way to
a transit mall, wherein transit vehicles are
the only vehicles allowed, with limited
exceptions for timed deliveries.
``(F) Transit-friendly transit stop projects.--The
term `transit-friendly transit stop projects' means
projects that include--
``(i) the installation of lighting,
seating, shelter, signage that tracks arrival
time of buses, and additional wayfinding;
``(ii) raising the height of the sidewalk
and curb at a bus stop to make boarding easier;
``(iii) the construction of transit stop
bump-outs or boarding islands; and
``(iv) the installation of bicycling
parking, either protected or unprotected,
around bus stops that are served by routes with
at least four buses per hour.
``(G) Transit priority measures.--The term `transit
priority measures' means changes to the design of a
public right-of-way that reallocate space away from
all-purpose vehicle traffic and towards transit
vehicles through transit-friendly transit stop
projects, transit-friendly streets projects, and
transit-friendly intersections projects in order to
improve the efficiency and reliability of transit
service.
``(H) Transit vehicles.--The term `transit
vehicles' means transit buses, light rail trains, and,
when operated on limited access highways, intercity
buses.''.
(b) Metropolitan Transportation Planning.--
(1) More options before more lanes.--Section 134(h) of
title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(4) More options before more lanes.--Before carrying out
a project to construct new capacity, or maintain existing
capacity through reconstruction, for single-occupancy passenger
vehicles, a metropolitan planning organization shall submit to
the Secretary, and make publicly available, documents that
demonstrate that the metropolitan planning organization has
completed all projects to implement transit priority measures
requested by transit providers under section 5323(w). Not later
than 15 days after the submission of such documents, the
Secretary shall provide for a 180-day of public comment period
on the veracity of the information provided in such submission.
The Secretary shall approve or reject the submission not later
than 365 days after such submission.''.
(2) Transit priority measures.--Section 5303 of title 49,
United States Code is amended--
(A) in subsection (i)(2), by adding at the end the
following:
``(I) Transit priority measures.--An identification
of the locations in which a transit provider may
request the implementation of transit priority measures
under section 5323(w).''; and
(B) in subsection (j)--
(i) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(I) in clause (ii), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(II) in clause (iii), by striking
the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(iv) includes any projects for transit
priority measures, as defined in section
5323(w), on public rights-of-way within the
jurisdiction of the metropolitan planning area
that are requested by transit providers;''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end
the following:
``(E) Transit priority measures.--The program shall
include any projects requested by transit providers for
transit priority measures, as defined in section
5323(w), on public rights-of-way within the
jurisdiction of the metropolitan planning area that are
requested by transit providers.''.
(c) Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning.--
(1) More options before more lanes.--Section 135(d) of
title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(4) More options before more lanes.--Before carrying out
a project to construct new capacity, or maintain existing
capacity through reconstruction, for single-occupancy passenger
vehicles, a State shall submit to the Secretary, and make
publicly available, documents that demonstrate that the State
has completed all projects to implement transit priority
measures requested by transit providers under section 5323(w).
Not later than 15 days after the submission of such documents,
the Secretary shall provide for a 180-day of public comment
period on the veracity of the information provided in such
submission. The Secretary shall approve or reject the
submission not later than 365 days after such submission.''.
(2) Transit priority measures.--Section 5304 of title 49,
United States Code is amended--
(A) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the
following:
``(10) Transit priority measures.--The statewide
transportation plan shall identify all areas on public right-
of-way in which a transit provider may request the
implementation of transit priority measures under section
5323(w).''; and
(B) in subsection (g)(5), by adding at the end the
following:
``(I) Transit priority measures.--A statewide
transportation improvement program shall include any
projects requested by transit providers for transit
priority measures, as defined in section 5323(w), on
public rights-of-way.''.
(d) Urbanized Area Formula Grants.--Section 5307(b) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs
(7) and (8), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) ensure that the final program of projects uses the
authority granted to transit agencies under section 5323(w) to
improve the ridership experience for the maximum feasible
number of transit riders;''.
SEC. 5. STATE PURCHASING FOR BUS STOP EQUIPMENT.
(a) State Cooperative Procurement.--A State may enter into a
cooperative procurement contract with 1 or more vendors for transit
equipment including bus stop shelters, signage that tracks arrival
times of transit vehicles, and protected modular bicycle parking and
charging infrastructure if--
(1) each vendor agrees to provide to the State and any
other grantee an option to purchase transit equipment to the
State; and
(2) the State acts throughout the term of the contract as
the lead procurement agency.
(b) Buy America.--The requirements of section 5323(j) of title 49,
United States Code, shall apply to all procurements carried out under a
cooperative procurement contract described in subsection (a).
(c) Definition of Grantee.--In this section, the term ``grantee''
means a recipient or subrecipient of assistance under chapters 53 or
229 of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 6. FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
FUNDING.
There is authorized to be appropriated $200,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for salaries and other administrative
expenses related to the implementation of this Act and the amendments
made by this Act, including--
(1) providing assistance to entities eligible for
assistance under this Act and the amendments made by this Act
pursuing bus network redesigns;
(2) providing assistance to such entities pursuing projects
eligible for such assistance on environmental review, planning,
engineering, and design from the inception of a project through
the start of construction of such project;
(3) adjudicating disputes between transit providers and
right-of-way holders over the implementation of transit
priority measures; and
(4) producing research independently and in collaboration
with University Transportation Centers on international best
standards for transit planning, design, engineering,
construction, operation, and maintenance, and disseminate such
research to such entities and private sector industry.
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