U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) has introduced legislation he said will help rural transit providers improve their services.
The Investments in Rural Transit Act, would give rural transit operators the assistance they need to continue operating transit services to help rural Americans get to work, school, the grocery store, medical appointments, and more.
“For rural South Dakotans who do not own a vehicle, transit services are a lifeline to reach their jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores and other necessities,” said Rounds. “This legislation aims to support the operators who provide these essential services, so that they may continue to get our rural residents where they need to go.”
Rounds’ legislation would increase federal share for operating costs for rural transit providers. Currently, the law allows federal funding to cover only 50 percent of a rural transit provider’s operating costs, such as fuel and labor. Rounds’ bills would increase the federal share to 80 percent. Additionally, the legislation would cut red tape by directing the Federal Transit Administration to work with rural transit agencies, Tribal transit agencies and state departments of transportation to make recommended regulatory relief for the rural transit agencies.
The legislation would also make procuring new vehicles and equipment easier.
”South Dakota’s public transit providers face significant issues including Federal funding shortfalls, reduced local match, and lack of regulatory reform,” said Barbara Cline, Executive Director of Prairie Hills Transit. “Public transit serves all citizens including workers, students, seniors, and individuals accessing medical care. We support the Investments in Rural Transit Act that allows continued access, independence, and economic participation across our communities.”
The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
“High-quality, efficient public transit systems are important for Minnesotans who rely on them every day to get to the office, school, the doctor, and to make their lives work,” Smith said. “This bipartisan legislation would support reliable public transit in rural communities where it’s a lifeline.”