Bill · S. 3978· Senate(119-S-3978)
Investments in Rural Transit Act
- Introduced
- 3/3/2026
- Last activity
- 3/3/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Tina Smith
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Investments in Rural Transit Act aims to increase the Federal operating share for rural transit and includes several structural changes. The bill seeks to streamline procurement processes by expanding how entities can participate in purchasing equipment and rolling stock. It also amends mass transit funding by increasing certain assistance levels and mandating that a portion of funds go to Tribal transit agencies. Additionally, the bill requires the creation of a new Associate Administrator position to focus on Tribal transit. Finally, it mandates a joint report regarding more efficient ways to procure low- and no-emission infrastructure in rural areas.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
The bill specifically mandates funding and dedicated administrative support for Tribal transit agencies.
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+8
The bill significantly increases federal support and streamlines procurement for rural and Tribal transit.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+7
The bill focuses heavily on increasing the availability and efficiency of transit in rural areas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Streamlined Procurement: The expansion of procurement options allows for nonprofit cooperatives, consortia of grantees, or consortia of eligible nonprofit entities to participate in purchasing rolling stock, farebox equipment, software, or other technology (Section 3).
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Increased Assistance for Rural Areas: The bill increases a specific figure from 50 to 80 within section 5311 (Section 4).
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Support for Tribal Transit Agencies: The bill mandates that not less than 5 percent of amounts made available under section 5339(b) be distributed to Tribal transit agencies (Section 4).
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Increased Federal Funding for Tribal Projects: The Federal share of the cost for eligible projects under section 5339(b) can be up to 100 percent (Section 4).
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Dedicated Tribal Transit Support: The designation of an Associate Administrator for Program Management and Tribal Transit will provide a focus on capacity-building, coordination, and technical assistance for Tribal transit (Section 5).
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Efficient Infrastructure Opportunities: A joint report will be issued to identify ways to make the procurement of low- and no-emission infrastructure more efficient for rural transit agencies (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Unutilized Tribal Funds: The Secretary is permitted to use less than the mandated 5 percent for Tribal transit agencies if there are insufficient eligible applications (Section 4).
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 Native Americans+9Good For Rural Residents+7Good For Low Income Households+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+8Improves Rural Development+6Reduces Carbon Emissions+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2
- 3/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota