Bill > HR5216

This bill, known as the "Bus Utilization for Fleet Flexibility and Emergency Resilience Act" (BUFFER Act), addresses transportation challenges during extreme weather events. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to create regulations within one year that allow regional transportation planning organizations to increase their spare bus ratio (the number of backup buses maintained) from the current standard to 30 percent. To qualify for this increased ratio, transportation organizations must submit documentation proving they regularly experience extreme weather events, demonstrating how these events have historically disrupted bus operations, and explaining how additional spare buses would help maintain service reliability during weather emergencies. The bill's findings highlight that extreme heat and cold can increase vehicle maintenance needs, create operational disruptions, and pose risks to communities that depend on public transit, particularly in high-frequency service regions like tourism and entertainment hubs. By providing more flexibility in bus fleet management, the legislation aims to enhance transportation resilience and ensure continued service during challenging weather conditions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5216/all-info