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119-hr-5230119th CongressWALLET

Faster Buses Better Futures Act

Sponsored By: Representative Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10]

In Committee

Summary

Nationwide Bus Network Redesign Grants would pair large new grants with rules to speed buses, improve station accessibility, and give transit agencies tools to redesign fixed‑route networks. The bill focuses on boosting ridership, improving access for people with disabilities, and giving States streamlined procurement and planning authority.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Major grants to redesign bus networks

This bill would set up a national grant program for big fixed‑route bus network redesigns within 720 days of enactment. It would authorize $250 billion for FY2026–FY2030. Federal money would cover 80% of capital costs and the full operating cost increase for the first 3 years, then 33% during the next 3‑year period. Redesigns would be expected to double total transit ridership from April 1, 2025 levels within 6 years. Agencies would need to finish at least one bus network redesign by FY2045 and then at least every 20 years. Bus and bus facility grants would also get $20 billion for FY2026–FY2030, with priority to agencies that used redesign grants and grew ridership. The bill would add $200 million a year (FY2026–FY2030) for FTA staff to help with planning, reviews, disputes, and best‑practice support.

More funding to make stations accessible

This bill would create grants to upgrade rail and station access to meet ADA construction standards. It would authorize $1 billion each year for FY2026–FY2030. The federal share would cover 90% of project costs. Funds could pay for repairs, relocations, planning, and engineering. Money would stay available for four years after it is provided.

More money for bus stop shelters

This bill would reimburse transit agencies for installing bus stop shelters. It would authorize $1 billion each year for FY2026–FY2030. The Secretary would set a per‑shelter payment each year, with extra amounts for strong weather standards. Agencies would apply through an annual notice, file a shelter plan, report progress, and verify installs within 270–365 days. The bill would also let States run cooperative buys for shelters, signs, and bike parking, with Buy America rules applying.

Faster buses: priority rules and checks

This bill would require road owners to work with transit agencies to add bus‑priority features on busy corridors. Owners would need to reply to requests within 180 days, give 120‑day notice before corridor projects, and add priority features to near‑term projects. Either side could ask FTA to decide disputes, and a noncompliant owner could lose discretionary grants for one year. Before adding new single‑occupancy car lanes, States and MPOs would need to show requested transit‑priority projects are done, allow 180 days of public comment, and get a decision within 365 days. Transit agencies preparing urbanized‑area project lists would also need to use an existing authority to improve riders’ experience.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10]

FL • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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