Bill · S. 3694· Senate(119-S-3694)
Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act
A bill to provide for the development of transportation demand management strategies, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 1/27/2026
- Last activity
- 1/27/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Lisa Blunt Rochester
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act aims to develop transportation demand management (TDM) strategies across the United States. This bill defines TDM as using various methods like planning, incentives, and technology to improve mobility and reduce congestion. It amends existing laws to include TDM in various federal assistance programs. A specific $20,000,000 set-aside is created to fund TDM strategies specifically in rural areas. Additionally, the bill establishes a $20,000,000 set-aside for small projects within the congestion relief program.
Yes· 3 of 16
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill provides dedicated funding and specific attention to improving mobility in rural communities.
Does this invest in rural communities?+4
A $20 million set-aside is specifically intended to improve mobility and access in rural areas.
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+3
The bill specifically focuses on increasing various transit and mobility options.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Access for Rural Communities: The bill seeks to help rural residents—who often face higher poverty levels and limited access to essential services like healthcare and stores—by providing more transportation options beyond car ownership. (Section 2)
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Increased Efficiency and Reduced Congestion: By implementing TDM strategies, the bill aims to increase the efficiency of existing infrastructure, which can lower the costs associated with traffic congestion. (Section 2; Section 3)
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Improved Mobility and Air Quality: The definition of TDM includes strategies meant to lead to improved mobility and improved air quality. (Section 3)
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Support for Diverse Transportation Options: The bill includes various options to help people move more easily, such as carpooling, vanpooling, telecommuting, and support for pedestrian infrastructure. (Section 3)
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Targeted Support for Rural Areas: A specific $20,000,000 set-aside is designated to provide grants for developing TDM plans, marketing, and innovative strategies like smart rural transportation hubs to improve mobility in rural locations. (Section 4)
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Support for Smaller Infrastructure Projects: A $20,000,000 set-aside is created to provide grants for projects with estimated costs between $500,000 and $10,000,000. (Section 5)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Costs for Travelers: The bill's definition of TDM includes "appropriate pricing of parking, tolls, transit, and other options," which could lead to increased costs for individuals using these services. (Section 3)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Low Income Households+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Retirees+2Good For Seniors+2Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Native Americans+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4Improves Public Transit+3Improves Roads And Bridges+2Reduces Carbon Emissions+2Improves Environmental Protections+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 9/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/27/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona