The SAM Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to deploy autonomous buses, updates related definitions, and expands federal funding eligibility to cover the acquisition and updating of automated driving system software.
Kevin Kiley
Representative
CA-3
The SAM Act of 2026 establishes a new grant program to accelerate the deployment of shared autonomous buses by providing federal funding for their purchase and related software. The bill also updates testing requirements to include these autonomous vehicles and clarifies that various federal transportation grants can be used to acquire the necessary automated driving system software. This legislation aims to support the integration of innovative, self-driving mobility solutions into public transit systems.
New SAM Act Unlocks $100M for Autonomous Bus Tech, Boosts Rural Transit Options
Alright, let's talk about the SAM Act of 2026. This bill is all about getting more self-driving buses on our roads, specifically in public transit. It's setting up a new grant program, dropping $100 million over two years, to help transit agencies buy and deploy these autonomous vehicles. Think of it as a shot in the arm for public transport, aiming to bring some cutting-edge tech into your daily commute.
The Future is Now: Autonomous Buses Hit the Road
At its core, the SAM Act is creating an "Accelerating Innovative Mobility Grant Program" through Section 5341 of federal transportation law. This means money is on the table for transit agencies that want to bring in these new "covered shared mobility vehicles" — which are basically buses with fancy "automated driving systems" that can handle the driving themselves, at SAE Level 3, 4, or 5. These grants can cover up to 80% of a project’s cost, and here’s a cool detail: at least 15% of that funding is specifically earmarked for projects in rural areas. So, if you're in a smaller town, you might actually see these futuristic buses sooner than you think, potentially making public transit more accessible and efficient where options might be limited now.
Software Gets Its Seat at the Table
One of the smartest moves in this bill is how it explicitly recognizes the importance of software. It amends several existing grant programs — like the SMART Grant Program, Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grants, and even the BUILD Grant Program — to make it crystal clear that federal funds can be used not just for buying the physical buses, but also for acquiring and updating the software that makes these autonomous systems tick. This is a big deal because, let’s be real, the brains of these vehicles are just as important as the wheels. This provision ensures that transit agencies can keep their tech up-to-date without having to scrounge for separate funding, which is a common headache when dealing with rapidly evolving technology.
Beefing Up the Testing Grounds
Before these autonomous buses hit your street, they need to be rigorously tested. The SAM Act, specifically Section 3, expands existing bus testing requirements. By January 1, 2027, the Department of Transportation has to set up at least one additional facility dedicated to testing these new "covered shared mobility vehicles." This isn't just about safety; it's about making sure these buses are reliable, perform well, and are structurally sound. They’re also changing the testing standard from a simple pass-fail to a more detailed scoring system that weighs different performance categories. This means a more comprehensive evaluation before a bus model gets the green light for federal funding, giving passengers a bit more peace of mind that these vehicles have been thoroughly vetted.