H.R.2526 - Bus Parity and Clarity Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2526, the Bus Parity and Clarity Act, aims to amend Title 23 of the United States Code to clarify provisions regarding equal access for over-the-road buses to toll roads, bridges, tunnels, ferries, and HOV facilities. The bill ensures that over-the-road buses in scheduled or charter service have the same access and rates as public transportation vehicles. It also mandates the Federal Highway Administration to publish a database of rates, terms, and conditions for toll facilities covered under these equal access provisions.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is improved access and potentially reduced costs for over-the-road bus services. This could lead to increased ridership and efficiency in transportation. The publication of a unified database will increase transparency and allow bus operators to better plan routes and manage costs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accessibility for over-the-road buses to toll facilities.
- Standardized rates and terms, promoting fair competition.
- Enhanced transparency through the publication of a unified database.
- Potential cost savings for bus operators, which could translate to lower fares for passengers.
- Improved efficiency in transportation planning and operations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on the Federal Highway Administration to maintain the database.
- Possible increased congestion on toll facilities if bus traffic increases significantly.
- Limited impact on overall transportation infrastructure and funding.
- The bill primarily benefits bus operators and passengers, with limited direct benefits to other segments of the population.
- Potential for increased costs for other vehicles if toll rates are adjusted to accommodate bus parity.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By standardizing access and rates for over-the-road buses, the bill facilitates interstate transportation and commerce. There is no apparent conflict with other constitutional provisions or amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).