Bill · H.R. 10598· House(119-HR-10598)
Improving Rural Transportation Act
- Introduced
- 9/24/2026
- Last activity
- 9/24/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Josh Riley
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Improving Rural Transportation Act. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a multimodal transportation demonstration program. Under this program, the Secretary may make grants to eligible entities for advanced transportation technologies in small- or mid-sized communities. These grants cover surface passenger transportation modes and related technical support and planning costs. Eligible entities include State departments of transportation, local governments, and public transportation agencies. The Federal share of a demonstration project cost cannot exceed 80 percent.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this invest in rural communities?+7
The legislation explicitly focuses on funding advanced transportation technologies and ride-share programs specifically for rural and small-to-mid-sized communities.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+7
The legislation directly targets small- and mid-sized communities with grants for advanced transit and rural ride-share programs.
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+6
The bill establishes a multimodal transportation demonstration program to improve first-mile and last-mile connections and public transit options.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) allows the Secretary to make grants for advanced transportation technologies in small- or mid-sized communities, which can help improve local travel options like micro-transit and automated vehicles.
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Section 2(a)(2) allows for projects related to developing a ride-share program for persons in rural communities, which may help people get around where public transit is limited.
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Section 2(c) requires the Secretary to prioritize applications that demonstrate scalability, operational reliability, cost efficiency, and technology validation, ensuring that taxpayer money is pushed toward reliable and practical projects.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(d)(1) limits the Federal share of project costs to 80 percent, which means state and local governments must cover the remaining non-Federal share of at least 20 percent using other available funds.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+7Improves Public Transit+6Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Farmers+4Good For Low Income Households+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
James GallagherRepublican · California