Bus Parity and Clarity Act

This bill would make sure over-the-road buses in scheduled or charter service get the same access and pricing as public transportation vehicles on toll roads, bridges, tunnels, ferries, and HOV lanes. It changes federal rules to clearly include these buses and lines up the definition of “charter service” with existing federal rules.

It also tells the Federal Highway Administration to post a public, unified database listing the rates, terms, and conditions for each covered toll facility. This must start within 180 days after the bill becomes law and continue every year after that. The same equal-access rule applies when a toll facility is part of the federal value pricing pilot program.

• Who is affected: Over-the-road buses in scheduled or charter service; toll facility and HOV lane operators; riders who use these buses.
• What changes: Equal access and the same rates, terms, and conditions as public transportation vehicles; a public database of toll facility policies.
• When: The database must go online within 180 days of enactment and be updated annually.