The bill would create five-year competitive grants for states, local governments, transit agencies, and certain rural nonprofits. Grants could cover lost fare revenue from fare-free public transit and pay for improvements such as safer bus stops, more reliable service, and bus network redesigns. Grant applications would need to explain plans for fare-free service, transit improvements, community outreach, and addressing gaps in access. The Transportation Secretary would collect progress data and report on transit equity gaps.
If an eligible transit provider receives a grant, it could offer fare-free public transit and use funds to improve service. The bill does not require every transit system to become fare-free.
The bill would authorize $5 billion per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Grants could cover lost fares and eligible transit improvements and operating costs. No publicly available information states how much funding would be provided in total.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.