Legislation that would cut red tape and strengthen domestic bus manufacturing by providing more flexibility for local transit systems has gained bipartisan support.
The Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act would fix challenges facing the bus manufacturing industry by allowing bus purchasers to make advanced payments of up to 20 percent, a shift from current, outdates payment practices, officials said. The legislation is supported by U.S. Sens. John Fetterman (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Katie Britt (R-AL).
“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,” Fetterman said. “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. I’m proud to be part of this effort to keep Pennsylvanians moving.”
The Senators said current U.S. standards are outdated and pose unnecessarily high costs to bus manufacturers and purchasers, leading to many domestic bus manufacturers to go bankrupt or leave the market, despite high demand for new buses. The new legislation would help fix the problem by allowing bus purchasers to make 20 percent advanced payments, which will help domestic manufacturers invest in the workers and equipment needed to meet the demand for new, cost-effective buses.
“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,” Britt said. “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 four senators originally introduced the legislation during the 118th Congress.