Bus Utilization for Fleet Flexibility and Emergency Resilience Act; BUFFER Act
Summary
The BUFFER Act aims to enhance the resilience of bus transit systems during extreme weather events. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations and guidance allowing regional transportation planning organizations to increase their spare bus ratio to 30 percent upon request. This increase is intended to mitigate disruptions to fixed bus routes during extreme weather.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be to allow regional transportation organizations to maintain more buses in reserve. This will enable them to deploy spare buses quickly when extreme weather causes breakdowns or service interruptions. Ultimately, this should lead to more reliable bus service during challenging weather conditions.
Potential Benefits
- Improved reliability of public transportation during extreme weather events.
- Reduced disruption to commuters and other bus users.
- Enhanced safety for individuals who rely on bus services.
- Potential for increased ridership due to improved service reliability.
- Better preparedness for future extreme weather events.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs for transit agencies due to maintaining a larger fleet of spare buses.
- Possible need for additional storage and maintenance facilities.
- Risk that some regions may not utilize the increased spare bus ratio effectively.
- Potential for delays in implementation due to regulatory processes.
- Possible strain on existing maintenance staff and resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The BUFFER Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the implied powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare. The Act addresses transportation, which falls under interstate commerce, and aims to ensure reliable public services, contributing to the general welfare. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or state powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).