Bills · S 3978
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3978Transportation and Public Works
Investments in Rural Transit Act
INTRO MAR 3· LAST ACTION MAR 3
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly addresses the challenges of providing reliable transportation in rural and Tribal areas, which often face unique difficulties due to sparse populations and limited local funding. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more stable, affordable, and accessible public transit options for millions of people who depend on it to get to work, school, appointments, or groceries.
Without such legislation, rural transit agencies might continue to struggle with funding gaps, potentially leading to service cuts, older equipment, or higher fares. By increasing the federal share and streamlining procurement, the bill aims to improve the quality of life in these communities, foster economic opportunity, and promote equity by ensuring better access to essential services. It also supports environmental goals by investigating more efficient ways for rural transit to adopt cleaner vehicle technologies.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Increases the federal government's share of operating costs for rural transit projects from 50% to 80%.
This significant increase means rural transit agencies will have more federal support for their day-to-day operations, potentially preventing service cuts and improving stability.
PROVISION 02
Sets aside at least 5% of federal Bus and Bus Facilities Program funds for Tribal transit agencies and allows these projects to receive up to 100% federal funding.
This provides dedicated, substantial financial support for public transportation in Tribal communities, addressing historical underfunding and unique needs.
PROVISION 03
Expands and streamlines 'cooperative purchasing' rules, allowing more entities, including local governments and non-profits, to team up for buying transit equipment.
Making it easier for transit agencies to buy together can lead to cost savings and more efficient acquisition of new buses and technology.
PROVISION 04
Requires the establishment of a new Associate Administrator position within the Federal Transit Administration specifically focused on supporting Tribal transit.
This ensures dedicated leadership and resources for capacity-building and technical assistance tailored to the unique needs of Tribal transit systems.
PROVISION 05
Directs the Secretaries of Transportation and Energy to issue a joint report on opportunities to make purchasing low- and no-emission infrastructure more efficient for rural transit agencies.
This aims to help rural transit adopt environmentally friendly vehicles more affordably by exploring collaborative purchasing strategies.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· Minnesota
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
46
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 3
Introduced in Senate
MAR 3
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3978
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 3, 2026
Last actionMar 3, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 3, 2026
Senate BillS 3978Transportation and Public Works
Investments in Rural Transit Act
INTRODUCED MAR 3, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 3, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
