Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chairman of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, has reintroduced the Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at modernizing regulations impacting U.S. bus manufacturers. She is joined by Subcommittee Ranking Member Tina Smith (D-Minn.), along with Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.Dak.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.), in leading this initiative.
Senator Britt emphasized the importance of supporting domestic manufacturers and ensuring accessible transportation options for communities.
“Our Alabama manufacturers provide the transit that connects our rural communities and our largest cities. I want to ensure people across our great state continue to have access to high-quality, American-made vehicles that allow them to travel safely and efficiently to work, school, the grocery store, and everywhere in between,” said Senator Britt. “Our bipartisan legislation supports domestic manufacturing and helps local transit agencies better serve our communities. Cutting senseless red tape while supporting Made in America manufacturing is simply common sense.”
The legislation aims to address long-standing regulatory challenges imposed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Under current rules, payment practices dating back 40 years contribute to higher production costs, limiting the ability of bus manufacturers to sustain operations despite increasing demand. Many domestic bus manufacturers have struggled financially or exited the market entirely.
Senator Smith underscored the bill’s potential impact on transportation systems and job creation.
“Each day, transit systems connect Minnesotans to their jobs, schools, and countless other opportunities – all while reducing traffic congestion,” said Senator Smith. “This bill makes a commonsense update to current practice by cutting unnecessary red tape and strengthening the domestic bus manufacturing market. This small change will also support U.S. bus manufacturing jobs, get more buses into service, and help Americans get to their work, school, and health care appointments more easily.”
The Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act introduces a key change: allowing bus manufacturers to apply for advanced payments of up to 20%. This provision aims to help manufacturers invest in labor and machinery needed to meet transit demand while keeping production costs manageable.
Senator Cramer highlighted the economic benefits of the legislation.
“Our legislation cuts unnecessary red tape, allowing bus manufacturers across America to invest in their production capacity,” said Senator Cramer. “This commonsense change provides greater flexibility for North Dakota’s local transit agencies and directly benefits manufacturers like Motor Coach Industries in Pembina.”
Senator Fetterman also pointed to the outdated regulations that have hindered bus manufacturing.
“Right now, we’re stuck with 40-year-old rules that prevent bus manufacturers from investing in the workers and equipment they need. It’s a problem that’s hurting transit agencies in big cities and small towns across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Fetterman. “This bill fixes that by giving local agencies the flexibility they need to get buses on the road faster and at a lower cost, while helping American manufacturers meet demand.”
As chair of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, Senator Britt has prioritized policies that enhance transportation access and economic development.
“I will continue to promote legislative solutions that spur economic development and drive investment in both our urban and rural areas, which are often overlooked. Each and every U.S. citizen deserves access to affordable housing, reliable transit, and ultimately, the ability to achieve their American Dream,” she stated.
The reintroduction of the Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act marks a bipartisan effort to modernize U.S. transit regulations, with a focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing and improving transportation accessibility nationwide.
