Bus Parity and Clarity Act Aims for Equal Toll and HOV Access for Scheduled and Charter Buses, Mandates Public Toll Database

This bill, the "Bus Parity and Clarity Act," sets out to clear up the rules for over-the-road buses—think scheduled services like Greyhound or private charter buses—using certain types of roads and infrastructure. The main goal is to ensure these buses get the same access and pay the same rates as public transit vehicles on specific toll roads, bridges, tunnels, ferries, and High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.

Leveling the Lane: What 'Equal Access' Means for Buses

The core change here involves amending existing transportation law (specifically sections 129(a) and 166 of title 23, U.S. Code) to explicitly state that "over-the-road buses" operating in "scheduled or charter service" must be granted equal access. What does that mean in practice? If a public bus pays a certain toll or gets to use an HOV lane, a qualifying charter or scheduled service bus should get the same deal. The bill points to federal regulations (part 604 of title 49, CFR) to define what counts as "charter service" and uses the Americans with Disabilities Act definition for "over-the-road bus." This clarification applies not just to standard tolls and HOV lanes but also to facilities using "value pricing" pilot programs, ensuring consistent treatment across different types of road charging schemes.

Opening the Books on Tolls: A New Database Requirement

Beyond access, the bill tackles transparency. It directs the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to step up and create a public database within 180 days of the bill becoming law. This online database will list the rates, terms, and conditions for every toll facility covered under these equal access rules. The FHWA will need to keep this database updated annually. For bus operators planning routes or passengers wondering about costs, this database could make information much easier to find and compare, shedding light on the often complex world of tolling policies across different jurisdictions.

The Bottom Line: Who Gains and What Could Change?

So, who feels the impact? Directly, passengers on scheduled and charter buses could see more efficient routes or potentially more stable fares if operators face fewer access hurdles or inconsistent toll costs. Bus companies, both scheduled and charter, gain clearer operating rules and potentially lower operational expenses on certain routes. The transparency mandate benefits anyone trying to navigate toll information. However, there's a potential flip side. Public authorities running these toll facilities might see a shift in revenue if more buses qualify for lower rates previously reserved for public transit. While the bill aims for parity, how this affects the overall funding for road and bridge maintenance, which often relies on toll revenue, is something to watch. The bill itself doesn't detail how potential revenue shifts should be managed, focusing instead on establishing the access and transparency requirements.