Minibuses Dodge Buy America—Batteries Now Optional, FTA Wonders?
Published Date: 8/18/2026
Notice
Summary
On December 20, 2024, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published a notice of proposed Buy America waiver for certain battery- electric minibuses. FTA has not made a final decision on the proposal. FTA is seeking supplemental comment as to whether FTA should remove the proposed requirement that the minibuses be battery-electric propulsion.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Battery-electric Requirement Removed
FTA now proposes to remove the December 20, 2024 requirement that eligible minibuses be battery-electric. If approved, minibuses with other propulsion types would be eligible for the same partial Buy America waiver along with battery-electric vehicles.
Waiver Covers Small Unibody Minibuses
The revised proposed partial Buy America waiver would apply to any vehicle that: has or can have low-floor entry; is unibody or monocoque (not body-on-chassis); has GVWR under 11,794 kg (26,001 pounds); and is designed for fewer than 16 seated passengers including the driver. The waiver would be a general waiver available to any FTA grant recipient.
Two-Year U.S. Assembly Phase-In and Three-Year Sunset
Under the revised proposal, for contracts awarded more than two years after the waiver's effective date the waiver would apply only if vehicle final assembly occurs in the United States, and the waiver would expire three years after the effective date.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17904, National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
FHWA, FRA, and FTA (collectively referred to as the "Agencies") are finalizing the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, which revised the Agencies' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 implementing regulations in light of the removal of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FR Act) of 2023, known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, and the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. The Agencies provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and comment on the IFR. This final rule addresses public comments received and finalizes the IFR with minor technical changes.
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-20179, Notice of Availability of Proposed Policy Guidance for the Capital Investment Grants Program
The Federal Transit Administration is updating the rules for its Capital Investment Grants program, which helps fund big public transit projects. These changes aim to make the process faster, clearer, and hold project sponsors more accountable. If you’re involved in transit projects, get ready—comments are open until November 16, 2026, and the new rules will apply right away with no exceptions.
2026-15316, Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Program
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $10 million in competitive funds for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Program.
2026-15090, FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $610 million in competitive grants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program and Low or No Emission Grant Program; jointly referred to as the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs.
2026-13907, FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility
The Federal Transit Administration is offering about $12 million in grants for 2026 to help communities create smarter, easier ways for people to get around. If you’re part of a local transit group or organization, you can apply by September 9, 2026. This funding aims to boost innovative projects that connect different types of transportation and make travel smoother for everyone.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16811, Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof II; Notice of a Commission Determination Finding a Violation Under Section 337; Issuance of a General Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of the Investigation
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to find a violation under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and to issue a general exclusion order ("GEO") prohibiting the importation of products that infringe claims 1 and 7 of each of the following patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,764,172 ("the '172 patent"); 9,370,934 ("the '934 patent"); 11,535,038 ("the '038 patent"); 12,240,248 ("the '248 patent"); and 12,240,249 ("the '249 patent"); and cease and desist orders ("CDOs") against respondents Mountain Peak, Inc. and Straightouttaink, LP. The investigation is terminated.
Next: 2026-16813, Combined Notice of Filings #1