WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and his colleagues, Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Katie Britt (R-AL), have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at modernizing the domestic bus manufacturing industry. The proposed legislation, known as the Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act, seeks to cut through bureaucratic red tape and provide greater financial flexibility for local transit systems when procuring buses.
At present, U.S. standards enforce antiquated payment practices on bus manufacturers and purchasers, practices that have remained largely unchanged over the past four decades. These outdated regulations have led to inflated costs and contributed to many domestic bus manufacturers exiting the market or declaring bankruptcy, despite the high demand for new vehicles.
The Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act intends to rectify this issue by allowing bus manufacturers to request advanced payments of up to 20%. This provision would empower manufacturers to invest in necessary labor and machinery, thereby meeting the demand of transit agencies more efficiently and keeping production costs manageable.
“Strong transit agencies are critical to making sure our communities are strong. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill that will mean transit agencies across the commonwealth can better serve Pennsylvanians,” said Sen. Fetterman. His office has received numerous complaints from transit agencies, both large city-based ones and smaller rural operators, regarding the difficulties they face in acquiring new buses.
Sen. Fetterman is a vocal advocate for public transit and consistently champions measures that ensure transit agencies across Pennsylvania have the resources required to provide reliable service. In October, he introduced the Transit Emergency Relief Act, a bill designed to enhance the Federal Transit Administration’s Emergency Response Program. This would enable transit agencies to offer emergency-level responses in disaster situations.
Fetterman has also been proactive in securing funding for local transit agencies. In a recent letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, he called for continued investment in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The following month, he announced a $317 million grant for SEPTA from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The implications of the Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act could be far-reaching. If passed, it could revitalize the domestic bus manufacturing industry, improve public transit, and potentially contribute to job creation and economic growth. The legislation is likely to be closely watched by transit agencies, manufacturers, and communities that rely heavily on public transportation.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.