Transit Bus Affordability Act

This bill orders the Comptroller General to study why new transit buses cost so much and how to make buying them cheaper and faster, so public money is used wisely. The review must look at what drives bus costs, compare U.S. bus costs with other countries, and track price changes over the last 10 years against other vehicles like school buses and medium‑duty trucks. It also has to examine how problems in bus manufacturing and supplies affect purchases funded by the Federal Transit Administration, including the Low or No Emission grants and the buses and bus facilities program.

The study must review steps already taken by the transit agency at the federal level, States, local transit agencies, manufacturers, and other industry groups to lower costs and speed up delivery; consider how using State contracts or joint purchasing affects prices; and identify any extra authority needed to cut costs and delays. A report is due within 18 months after the law takes effect.

• Who is affected: States, transit agencies, bus manufacturers, and industry stakeholders; Federal Transit Administration bus funding programs.
• What changes: A required federal review to find ways to lower bus costs and speed delivery, including international comparisons and analysis of recent price trends.
• When: Report due within 18 months of enactment.