,i #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ebcj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #i1 #bjbe,mr4 ,frost introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure ,a ,,bill ,to amend chapter #ec1 ,united ,states ,code1 to increase local bus service to levels needed to combat the climate crisis1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,faster ,buses ,better ,futures ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,bus network redesign grants4,sec4 #c4 ,transit stop shelter and station accessibility4,sec4 #d4 ,transit priority measures4,sec4 #e4 ,state purchasing for bus stop equipment4,sec4 #f4 ,federal ,transit ,administration staffing and administrative funding4 #b4 ,bus network redesign grants ,chapter #ec of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #ecjg7;c77#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,k71 by striking and at the end2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,m7 plans to complete a bus network redesign by fiscal year #bjde and1 beginning in fiscal year #bjde and each fiscal year thereafter1 has completed a bus network redesign in the preceding #bj-year period2 and 2 and 7#b7 in section #ecci-- 7,a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7i7 by amending paragraph 7#b7 to read as follows3 7#b7 ,grant considerations ,in making grants under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 consider the age and condition of buses1 bus fleets1 related equipment1 and bus-related facilities2 and 7,b7 give priority to eligible recipients who have received a grant under subsection 7e7 and have successfully increased bus ridership as a result of the bus network redesign carried out with such grant4 2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7#ab7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection #bj1jjj1jjj1jjj for the period of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcj4 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,bus network redesign grants 7#a7 ,grants authorized ,not later than #gbj days after the date of enactment of the ,faster ,buses ,better ,futures ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a program to award grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible entities4 7#b7 ,application ,to receive a grant under this subsection1 an eligible entity shall complete an eligible bus network redesign and submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including-- 7,a7 an overview of the existing bus network2 7,b7 an overview of the eligible bus network redesign2 7,c7 an analysis of the impact of the bus network redesign on-- 7i7 service hours2 and 7ii7 route miles2 7,d7 an analysis demonstrating that the eligible bus network redesign can increase transit ridership by #ajj percent not later than #f years after such redesign is implemented2 7,e7 an evaluation examining any equity and mobility gaps in each transit system operated by the eligible entity or in the geographic area under the jurisdiction of the eligible entity1 and how the eligible bus network redesign will significantly close such gaps1 including-- 7i7 public transit ridership rates1 disaggregated by-- 7,i7 mode of transit2 and 7,,ii7 demographic group1 including youth 7including foster care youth71 seniors1 individuals with disabilities1 and low-income individuals2 and 7ii7 average length of bus routes1 average speed of bus routes1 and average delay times of bus routes2 7,f7 an estimation of additional costs that the eligible entity will incur in order to implement the eligible bus network redesign1 including-- 7i7 fuel costs2 7ii7 personnel costs2 7iii7 maintenance costs2 and 7iv7 other operational costs2 and 7,g7 a description of eligible projects that the eligible entity intends to carry out to implement the eligible bus network redesign1 including-- 7i7 expanding bus fleets2 and 7ii7 constructing additional bus garages4 7#c7 ,grant uses ,a grant awarded under this section may only be used to-- 7,a7 carry out eligible projects2 and 7,b7 pay for the difference in operating costs between the existing level of fixed-route bus service and the level outlined in the eligible bus network redesign submitted pursuant to paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,federal share 7,a7 ,eligible projects ,the ,federal share of the costs described in paragraph 7#c77;,a7 shall be #hj percent4 7,b7 ,first #c-year period ,in calculating the ,federal share of the costs described in paragraph 7#c77;,b7-- 7i7 for the #c-year period beginning on the date on which an eligible entity receives a grant under this subsection1 such ,federal share shall be #ajj percent2 and 7ii7 for any period of a grant award that is during the #c-year period beginning on the date on which the period described in clause 7i7 ends1 such ,federal share shall be #cc percent4 7#e7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall prioritize awarding grants to eligible entities that propose an eligible bus network redesign that is capable of increasing transit ridership by the largest percentage4 7#f7 ,conditions of grant assistance ,as a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection1 an eligible entity shall-- 7,a7 in the case of an entity that is a recipient of a grant under section #ecjg-- 7i7 report to the ,federal ,transit ,administration1 for inclusion in the ,national ,transit ,database-- 7,i7 the service frequency1 vehicle revenue hours1 and unlinked passenger trips originating and terminating in areas of persistent poverty and underserved communities2 7,,ii7 the number of jobs and essential services accessible by transit1 and improvement in such access1 including specific reporting on access by transit for areas of persistent poverty and underserved communities2 and 7,,iii7 any other data the ,secretary determines necessary and appropriate2 and 7ii7 during the #a-year period preceding the date on which the entity receives such grant1 and at least every #b years thereafter1 conduct a survey of transit riders and nonriding residents of areas of persistent poverty and underserved communities on transit service improvements1 using means designed to maximize participation from riders and nonriders1 and publish the survey results in an online format2 7,b7 in the case of an entity that is ,indian ,tribe-- 7i7 report to the ,federal ,transit ,administration1 for inclusion in the ,national ,transit ,database-- 7,i7 revenue vehicle hours and unlinked passenger trips2 and 7,,ii7 any other data the ,secretary determines necessary and appropriate2 and 7ii7 during the #a-year period preceding the date on which the entity receives such grant1 and at least every #b years thereafter1 conduct a survey of transit riders and nonriding residents of the service area on transit service improvements1 using means designed to maximize participation from riders and nonriders1 and publish the survey results in an online format2 and 7,c7 in the case of an entity that is a ,state receiving a grant under section #ecaa-- 7i7 report to the ,federal ,transit ,administration1 for inclusion in the ,national ,transit ,database-- 7,i7 revenue vehicle hours for each ,state1 including revenue vehicle hours and unlinked passenger trips originating and terminating in areas of persistent poverty and underserved communities2 and 7,,ii7 any other data the ,secretary determines necessary and appropriate2 7ii7 provide an annually updated report to the ,secretary-- 7,i7 that identifies underserved communities and areas of persistent poverty in the nonurbanized areas of the ,state that do not have any reported public transit services1 or in which either the availability or utilization of rural public transit is in the bottom quintile of all rural public transit services in the ,united ,states1 using measurements identified by the ,secretary2 and 7,,ii7 that describes progress toward achieving a strategy for establishing high-quality transit service in such communities and areas2 and 7iii7 during the #a-year period preceding the date on which the ,state receives such grant1 and at least every #b years thereafter1 conduct a survey of transit riders and nonriding residents of areas of persistent poverty and underserved communities within the ,state regarding transit service improvements1 using means designed to maximize participation from riders and nonriders1 and publishes the survey results in an online format4 7#g7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to prevent an eligible entity from implementing a redesigned bus network through the use of any other ,federal or non-,federal funds4 7#h7 ,authorization of appropriations ,to carry out this subsection1 there is authorized to be appropriated #bej1jjj1jjj1jjj for the period of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcj4 7#i7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,additional forms of collective transportation ,the term additional forms of collective transportation means forms of collective transportation that are not considered public transportation1 including intercity passenger rail transportation1 intercity bus service1 and school bus service4 7,b7 ,area of persistent poverty ,the term area of persistent poverty means-- 7i7 a county that has consistently had greater than or equal to #bj percent of the population of such county living in poverty during the most recent #cj-year period for which data is available1 as measured by the #aiij and #bjjj decennial censuses2 or 7ii7 a census tract with a poverty rate of at least #bj percent as measured by the #bjad through #bjah #e-year data series available from the ,american ,community ,survey of the ,bureau of the ,census4 7iii7 ,eligible bus network redesign ,the term eligible bus network redesign means a fixed route bus network redesign that-- 7,i7 through eligible projects1 is expected to increase total transit network ridership levels by #ajj percent more than such ridership levels as of ,april #a1 #bjbe1 by the end of the #f-year period beginning on the date of implementation of such redesign2 7,,ii7 is informed by extensive1 equitable outreach to affected communities1 underserved communities1 and areas of persistent poverty communities2 and 7,,iii7 does not rely on ridership increases from-- 7aa7 microtransit2 7bb7 automated buses2 and 7cc7 fare elimination4 7iv7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means a recipient of funds under section #ecjg or #ecaa4 7v7 ,eligible project ,the term eligible project means any project1 or program of projects1 that is implemented as part of an eligible bus network redesign1 including-- 7,i7 a project that reconfigures routes to better serve trips individuals are seeking to take2 7,,ii7 a project that improves integration of fixed route bus service and-- 7aa7 higher order forms of public transportation2 and 7bb7 additional forms of collective transportation2 7,,iii7 a project that consolidates stops on fixed route bus service2 7,,iv7 a project that rationalizes fare policies through means such as fare integration1 fare capping1 and fare subsidization2 7,v7 a project that decreases headways2 7,,vi7 a project that expands service area1 hours1 or days2 7,,vii7 a project for new or increased frequent nonfixed guideway service or frequent fixed guideway service2 and 7,,viii7 associated capital improvements related to projects described in clauses 7i7 through 7vii74 7vi7 ,higher-order forms of public transportation ,the term higher-order forms of public transportation means bus rapid transit1 light rail transit1 heavy rail transit1 and commuter rail4 7vii7 ,overview ,the term overview means a list of routes on a bus network1 a timetable for each route1 and a map showing each route1 with connections to higher-order forms of public transportation and additional collective transportation noted on the timetable and map4 7viii7 ,underserved community ,the term underserved community means-- 7,i7 a census tract or block numbering area in which the median income does not exceed #hj percent of the area median income2 7,,ii7 families with income not greater than #ajj percent of the area median income that reside in minority census tracts2 7,,iii7 families with income not greater than #ajj percent of the area median income that reside in areas affected by disasters1 as determined by the ,administrator of the ,federal ,transit ,administration2 7,,iv7 a census tract that has a minority population of at least #cj percent or a median income of less than #ajj percent of the area median income2 7,v7 a community that has low access to jobs and essential services1 as determined by the ,secretary2 or 7,,vi7 a census block or group of geographically contiguous census blocks in which the population of any racial or ethnic minority individuals1 individually or in combination1 comprises #cj percent or more of the population of persons in the census block or group of geographically contiguous census blocks4 4 #c4 ,transit stop shelter and station accessibility ,section #eccg of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,bus stop shelter reimbursement program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall reimburse an eligible entity for installing bus stop shelters if such entity followed the formal process established under paragraph 7#c7 for the installation of each such shelter4 7#b7 ,reimbursement amount ,the ,secretary shall annually determine the amount for which an eligible entity shall be reimbursed for each bus stop shelter that such entity verifies has been successfully installed1 including any additional amounts necessary for bus stop shelters to meet different weather standards4 ,the ,secretary shall set such amount at a level that-- 7,a7 maintains purchasing power for the eligible entity relying on such amount2 7,b7 ensures that such amount is sufficient to discourage inflation2 and 7,c7 incentivizes eligible entities to use products covered by a ,federal purchasing schedule authorized under section #e of the ,faster ,buses ,better ,futures ,act4 7#c7 ,establishment of formal process ,the ,secretary shall establish a formal process for the instillation of bus stop shelters to be reimbursable under this subsection that includes-- 7,a7 an annual notice of funding opportunity that requires an eligible entity seeking reimbursement to-- 7i7 submit to the ,secretary a bus shelter plan2 7ii7 each year after the submission of a plan under clause 7i71 submit to the ,secretary a report containing-- 7,i7 the progress the eligible entity has made in implementing the bus shelter plan with both ,federal and non-,federal funds2 and 7,,ii7 the total cost of the bus stop shelters installed by such entity2 7iii7 indicate the quantity and location of proposed bus stop shelters2 7iv7 ensure that each proposed bus stop shelter meets weather standards2 and 7v7 indicate how the proposed bus stop shelter installations will be coordinated with any other capital projects taking place at bus stops with such proposed installations1 including-- 7,i7 projects funded under section #ecji2 7,,ii7 transit priority measures authorized under section #ecbc7w72 and 7,,iii7 projects funded under subsection 7h72 and 7,b7 a period between #bgj and #cfe days after the ,notice of ,funding ,opportunity opens in which the eligible entity provides to the ,secretary-- 7i7 the number and location of the bus stop shelters proposed in the bus shelter plan that have been installed2 and 7ii7 verification1 in a form determined by the ,secretary1 that the bus stop shelters identified in clause 7i7-- 7,i7 were constructed2 and 7,,ii7 meet weather standards4 7#d7 ,grant requirements ,except as otherwise provided in this subsection1 amounts provided under this subsection shall be subject to the requirements of section #ecjg of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,b7 ,bus shelter plan ,the term bus shelter plan means a plan prepared by an eligible entity that-- 7i7 identifies which bus stops under the jurisdiction of the entity that do not either shelter1 seating1 or both2 7ii7 the order of priority for installing bus stop shelters at stops identified in clause 7i72 and 7iii7 how the order of priority listed in clause 7ii7 addresses equity of service to all riders regardless of whether the riders are low-income1 seniors1 or members of a community of color4 7,c7 ,bus stop shelter ,the term bus stop shelter means a structure installed at a stop on a fixed-route bus service that-- 7i7 meets weather standards2 7ii7 provides seating2 and 7iii7 has signage that tracks arrival time of transit vehicles4 7,d7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means a recipient or subrecipient of assistance under section #ecjg or #ecaa4 7,e7 ,weather standards ,the term weather standards means guidelines1 as determined by the ,secretary1 outlining what protection a bus stop shelter provides individuals based on weather conditions1 including-- 7i7 levels of rain1 snow1 and other types of precipitation2 7ii7 heat and sunshine2 and 7iii7 extreme cold4 7#f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated #a1jjj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcj to provide grants under this subsection4 7h7 ,all stations accessibility program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may make grants under this subsection to assist eligible entities in financing capital projects to upgrade accessibility for individuals with disabilities by increasing the number of covered stations that meet the construction standards of title ,,ii of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaca et seq474 7#b7 ,eligible costs ,a grant awarded under this section shall be used by an eligible entity for the purpose described in paragraph 7#a7 only-- 7,a7 for a project to repair1 improve1 or relocate station infrastructure at a covered station2 7,b7 to develop or modify a plan for pursuing public transportation accessibility projects2 or 7,c7 to carry out other projects at covered stations that meet the construction standards of title ,,ii of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaca et seq474 7#c7 ,eligible facilities ,the ,secretary-- 7,a7 may not provide a grant under this subsection to upgrade a station that is accessible to1 and usable by1 individuals with disabilities consistent with construction standards under title ,,ii the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abca et seq472 and 7,b7 may provide a grant to upgrade a station that is not accessible and usable as described in paragraph 7#a71 even if related services1 programs1 or activities1 if viewed in entirety1 are readily accessible and usable as so described4 7#d7 ,application ,to apply for a grant under this subsection1 an applicant shall provide to the ,secretary such information as the ,secretary may require1 including information on-- 7,a7 the extent to which the proposed project will increase the accessibility of a covered system2 7,b7 projected improvements in access to jobs1 community activities1 and essential destinations provided by such project2 7,c7 the applicant's plans to-- 7i7 enhance the customer experience and maximize accessibility of stations1 and the transit options such stations serve1 for individuals with disabilities2 7ii7 improve the operations of1 provide efficiencies of service to1 and enhance the public transportation system for individuals with disabilities2 and 7iii7 address equity of service to all riders regardless of whether the riders are low-income1 seniors1 or members of a community of color2 and 7,d7 coordination between the applicant and disability advocacy entities4 7#e7 ,federal share ,the ,federal share of the total project cost of a grant provided under this subsection shall be #ij percent4 ,the recipient may provide additional local matching amounts4 7#f7 ,grant requirements ,except as otherwise provided under this subsection1 a grant provided under this subsection shall be subject to the requirements of section #ecjg4 7#g7 ,grant solicitation ,the ,secretary may provide funds authorized under this subsection through #a or more notices of funding opportunity4 7#h7 ,funding 7,a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated #a1jjj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcj to provide grants under this subsection4 7,b7 ,availability of amounts ,amounts made available under this subsection shall be available for a period of #d fiscal years after the fiscal year in which the amount is made available4 7#i7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7,a7 ,covered station ,the term covered station means a bus station1 a multimodal transfer station1 or a rail fixed guideway public transportation station for passenger use constructed prior to the date of enactment of the ,faster ,buses ,better ,futures ,act4 7,b7 ,disability ,the term disability has the meaning given such term in section #c of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abajb74 7,c7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7i7 a recipient or subrecipient of assistance under section #ecjg or #ecaa2 or 7ii7 a ,state or local government that operates a rail fixed guideway public transportation system that was in operation before ,july #bf1 #aiij4 4 #d4 ,transit priority measures 7a7 ,in general ,section #ecbc of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7w7 ,prioritizing transit vehicles 7#a7 ,in general ,the owners of public rights-of-way shall cooperate to the maximum extent feasible with transit providers to ensure that transit vehicles that run at grade are able to complete routes in as reliable and frequent a manner as possible4 7#b7 ,by-right transit priority measures ,a transit provider may request that the owner of a public right-of-way implement transit priority measures on suitable corridors and the owner of said public right-of-way shall carry out specified collaboration with the transit provider to complete such request to the satisfaction of the transit provider4 7#c7 ,consultation of ,federal ,transit ,administration ,if a transit provider determines that a request for transit priority measures has not been adequately incorporated into a project on a suitable corridor or the owner of a public right-of-way believes that a transit provider is making unreasonable requests1 the transit provider or the public right-of-way owner may request that the regional office of the ,federal ,transit ,administration make a determination on the matter4 ,such regional office shall defer to the transit provider unless the owner of the public right-of-way can provide evidence-- 7,a7 that allocating funding to implement requested transit priority measures would threaten the state of good repair of the overall public transportation system1 even if funds from all projects to construct new capacity1 or maintain existing capacity through reconstruction1 for single-occupancy passenger vehicles were reallocated to either-- 7i7 implementing requested transit priority measures2 or 7ii7 maintaining the state of good repair of the overall transportation system2 or 7,b7 that-- 7i7 the benefits a transit provider expects to see from the implementation of requested transit priority measures are factually incorrect as based on-- 7,i7 transportation demand modeling2 and 7,,ii7 real-world examples of similar projects in the ,united ,states and other countries2 and 7ii7 the corridor where transit priority measures have been requested is not actually a suitable corridor4 7#d7 ,prevention of compliance-avoiding service alterations ,a transit provider may not alter the frequency of service on fixed-route transit service with the purpose of ensuring a public right-of-way does not meet the requirements of a suitable corridor4 7#e7 ,penalties for non-compliance ,if a regional office of the ,federal ,transit ,administration finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a public right-of-way owner is not complying with paragraph 7#b7 or a transit provider is in violation of paragraph 7#d71 the ,secretary shall not award any discretionary grants to that public right-of-way owner for the following year4 7#f7 ,in-kind match ,of the non-,federal share required for any projects that complete transit priority measures requested through this subsection1 #be percent may be derived from amounts expended for associated capital improvements related to a project or program that implements transit priority measures4 7#g7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,specified collaboration ,the term specified collaboration means-- 7i7 the owner of a public right-of-way about which a transit provider has made a formal request shall-- 7,i7 respond not later than #ahj days after the date on which such owner submits such request with-- 7aa7 the expected cost of implementing the requested transit priority measures2 7bb7 an identification of any funding sources such owner expects to use to construct the requested transit priority measures2 and 7cc7 any timelines for completion of the construction of such measure1 depending on any variations in circumstances1 taking into consideration-- 7,,aa7 how existing funds from chapter #ec of title #di and chapter #a of title #bc are spent2 and 7,,bb7 how long it may take to access additional needed funding2 and 7,,ii7 work with transit providers to create the maximum feasible impact of implementing transit priority measures in the most expeditious manner possible by-- 7aa7 adding transit priority measures to all projects scheduled to begin construction not later than #cfe days of the date of enactment of this subsection1 including-- 7,,aa7 all new construction and reconstruction or retrofit projects2 and 7,,bb7 all maintenance projects and ongoing operations1 such as resurfacing1 repaving1 restriping1 or rehabilitation2 and 7bb7 proposing amendments to the applicable transportation improvement program and statewide transportation improvement program to-- 7,,aa7 ensure projects on rights-of-way identified as suitable corridors in formal requests include transit priority measures requested by transit providers2 and 7,,bb7 prioritize implementing projects identified in formal requests by transit providers2 and 7ii7 not later than #abj days before carrying out a project on a suitable corridor for which the owner of a public right-of-way is required to produce a plan under section #ecjc or #ecjd1 such owner shall alert any transit provider operating on that corridor or operating in the same jurisdiction as that corridor and work cooperatively with the transit provider to incorporate any transit priority measures requested by the transit provider into the project4 7,b7 ,formal request ,the term formal request means a request submitted to the owner of the public right-of-way that a suitable corridor is on1 with copies sent to the applicable regional offices of the ,federal ,transit ,administration and ,federal ,highway ,administration1 indicating-- 7i7 the location at which the transit provider would like the right-of-way owner to implement transit priority measures2 7ii7 which transit priority measures such provider would like the right-of-way owner to implement2 7iii7 whether or not the requested transit priority measures-- 7,i7 would be immediately implementable through projects that would qualify for funding under section #ecji2 or 7,,ii7 would set up the suitable corridor for the implementation of additional transit priority measures that would qualify for funding under section #ecji2 7iv7 the order of priority for the implementation of requested transit priority measures2 7v7 an explanation of how the transit priority measures align with the program of projects required by sections-- 7,i7 #ecjg7;b72 7,,ii7 #ecaj7;b77#f72 and 7,,iii7 #ecaa7b72 7vi7 the benefits for transit riders that they expect to see from the implementation of the transit priority measures2 and 7vii7 the conditions that make the identified right-of-way a suitable corridor for transit priority measures4 7,c7 ,suitable corridors ,the term suitable corridors means-- 7i7 the right-of-way and quarter-mile on either end of a right-of-way where-- 7,i7 at least six buses are scheduled to run each hour2 or 7,,ii7 there are at least #b lanes in each direction for all-purpose vehicle travel2 or 7ii7 any right-of-way where light rail vehicles are scheduled to run at a frequency of at least #f vehicles per hour4 7,d7 ,transit-friendly intersections projects ,the term transit-friendly intersections projects means projects that include-- 7i7 converting a stop-sign to a traffic signal2 7ii7 adding a turn arrow signal1 which may or may not be bus-activated2 and 7iii7 traffic signal priority4 7,e7 ,transit-friendly streets projects ,the term transit-friendly streets projects means projects that include-- 7i7 the addition1 improvement1 or widening of sidewalks2 7ii7 the conversion of on-street parking spaces to designated loading zones2 7iii7 the consolidation or removal of underutilized or duplicative driveways2 7iv7 the installation of transit-only lanes that have restricted access for nonemergency vehicles1 including-- 7,i7 curbside transit-only lanes2 7,,ii7 median transit-only lanes with either left- or right-side door boarding2 7,,iii7 offset transit-only lanes that are paired with either transit stop bump outs or boarding islands to ensure that parked vehicles do not prevent transit riders from onboarding or offboarding a transit vehicle2 and 7,,iv7 dedicated transit-only lanes on limited-access highways2 7v7 the introduction of turn restrictions to prevent through-traffic by nontransit vehicles2 and 7vi7 the conversion of a right-of-way to a transit mall1 wherein transit vehicles are the only vehicles allowed1 with limited exceptions for timed deliveries4 7,f7 ,transit-friendly transit stop projects ,the term transit-friendly transit stop projects means projects that include-- 7i7 the installation of lighting1 seating1 shelter1 signage that tracks arrival time of buses1 and additional wayfinding2 7ii7 raising the height of the sidewalk and curb at a bus stop to make boarding easier2 7iii7 the construction of transit stop bump-outs or boarding islands2 and 7iv7 the installation of bicycling parking1 either protected or unprotected1 around bus stops that are served by routes with at least four buses per hour4 7,g7 ,transit priority measures ,the term transit priority measures means changes to the design of a public right-of-way that reallocate space away from all-purpose vehicle traffic and towards transit vehicles through transit-friendly transit stop projects1 transit-friendly streets projects1 and transit-friendly intersections projects in order to improve the efficiency and reliability of transit service4 7,h7 ,transit vehicles ,the term transit vehicles means transit buses1 light rail trains1 and1 when operated on limited access highways1 intercity buses4 4 7b7 ,metropolitan transportation planning 7#a7 ,more options before more lanes ,section #acd7;h7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,more options before more lanes ,before carrying out a project to construct new capacity1 or maintain existing capacity through reconstruction1 for single-occupancy passenger vehicles1 a metropolitan planning organization shall submit to the ,secretary1 and make publicly available1 documents that demonstrate that the metropolitan planning organization has completed all projects to implement transit priority measures requested by transit providers under section #ecbc7w74 ,not later than #ae days after the submission of such documents1 the ,secretary shall provide for a #ahj-;day of public comment period on the veracity of the information provided in such submission4 ,the ,secretary shall approve or reject the submission not later than #cfe days after such submission4 4 7#b7 ,transit priority measures ,section #ecjc of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7i77#b71 by adding at the end the following3 7,i7 ,transit priority measures ,an identification of the locations in which a transit provider may request the implementation of transit priority measures under section #ecbc7w74 2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7j7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a77;,a7-- 7,i7 in clause 7ii71 by striking and at the end2 7,,ii7 in clause 7iii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,,iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7iv7 includes any projects for transit priority measures1 as defined in section #ecbc7w71 on public rights-of-way within the jurisdiction of the metropolitan planning area that are requested by transit providers2 2 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#c71 by adding at the end the following3 7,e7 ,transit priority measures ,the program shall include any projects requested by transit providers for transit priority measures1 as defined in section #ecbc7w71 on public rights-of-way within the jurisdiction of the metropolitan planning area that are requested by transit providers4 4 7c7 ,statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning 7#a7 ,more options before more lanes ,section #ace7;d7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,more options before more lanes ,before carrying out a project to construct new capacity1 or maintain existing capacity through reconstruction1 for single-occupancy passenger vehicles1 a ,state shall submit to the ,secretary1 and make publicly available1 documents that demonstrate that the ,state has completed all projects to implement transit priority measures requested by transit providers under section #ecbc7w74 ,not later than #ae days after the submission of such documents1 the ,secretary shall provide for a #ahj-;day of public comment period on the veracity of the information provided in such submission4 ,the ,secretary shall approve or reject the submission not later than #cfe days after such submission4 4 7#b7 ,transit priority measures ,section #ecjd of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7f71 by adding at the end the following3 7#aj7 ,transit priority measures ,the statewide transportation plan shall identify all areas on public right-of-way in which a transit provider may request the implementation of transit priority measures under section #ecbc7w74 2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7g77#e71 by adding at the end the following3 7,i7 ,transit priority measures ,a statewide transportation improvement program shall include any projects requested by transit providers for transit priority measures1 as defined in section #ecbc7w71 on public rights-of-way4 4 7d7 ,urbanized area formula grants ,section #ecjg7;b7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#f7 and 7#g7 as paragraphs 7#g7 and 7#h71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#e7 the following3 7#f7 ensure that the final program of projects uses the authority granted to transit agencies under section #ecbc7w7 to improve the ridership experience for the maximum feasible number of transit riders2 4 #e4 ,state purchasing for bus stop equipment 7a7 ,state cooperative procurement ,a ,state may enter into a cooperative procurement contract with #a or more vendors for transit equipment including bus stop shelters1 signage that tracks arrival times of transit vehicles1 and protected modular bicycle parking and charging infrastructure if-- 7#a7 each vendor agrees to provide to the ,state and any other grantee an option to purchase transit equipment to the ,state2 and 7#b7 the ,state acts throughout the term of the contract as the lead procurement agency4 7b7 ,buy ,america ,the requirements of section #ecbc7;j7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall apply to all procurements carried out under a cooperative procurement contract described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,definition of grantee ,in this section1 the term grantee means a recipient or subrecipient of assistance under chapters #ec or #bbi of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 #f4 ,federal ,transit ,administration staffing and administrative funding ,there is authorized to be appropriated #bjj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcj for salaries and other administrative expenses related to the implementation of this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act1 including-- 7#a7 providing assistance to entities eligible for assistance under this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act pursuing bus network redesigns2 7#b7 providing assistance to such entities pursuing projects eligible for such assistance on environmental review1 planning1 engineering1 and design from the inception of a project through the start of construction of such project2 7#c7 adjudicating disputes between transit providers and right-of-way holders over the implementation of transit priority measures2 and 7#d7 producing research independently and in collaboration with ,university ,transportation ,centers on international best standards for transit planning1 design1 engineering1 construction1 operation1 and maintenance1 and disseminate such research to such entities and private sector industry4