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119-hr-10598119th CongressWALLET

Improving Rural Transportation Act

Sponsored By: Representative Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a new _multimodal transportation demonstration program_ to fund trials of advanced transit technologies in small and mid-sized communities. It targets projects that improve first‑ and last‑mile connections, test micromobility and automated vehicles, and pilot rural ride‑share services.

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  • Families and rural commuters could gain new local options like micro‑transit, micromobility devices, improved links to regional bus, rail, and aviation, and ride‑share pilots that aim to ease trips in communities with up to 200,000 people.
  • Local governments and public transit agencies could apply for grants that cover up to 80 percent of project costs to test scalable, reliable, and cost‑efficient transportation solutions.
  • Colleges, regional planning bodies, nonprofits, and private firms can be required partners, helping test data sharing, traveler support tools, automated vehicle tech, and electric or zero‑emission systems under real‑world conditions.

*No federal fiscal estimate is provided in the sources.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Small-town transit demonstration grants

If enacted, the bill would create a grant program for demonstration projects in small- or mid-sized communities with population not more than 200,000. The Secretary of Transportation would make grants to State DOTs, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, public transit agencies, and other eligible entities. The Federal share of project costs would not exceed 80 percent, and non-Federal shares could include amounts made available under 23 U.S.C. 504(b) and 505. Applications would need to show collaboration with colleges, States, local governments, regional planning organizations, nonprofit researchers, and private sector partners. The Secretary would prioritize projects that show scalability, operational reliability, cost efficiency, and real-world technology validation. The bill would also define "micromobility device" as a wheeled, low-powered electric vehicle for people that weighs not more than 100 pounds and cannot go faster than 20 miles per hour. It would define "ride-share program" as a smartphone app service connecting passengers with independent drivers for a fee.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]

NY • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Gallagher, James [R-CA-1]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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