H.R. 10598: Improving Rural Transportation Act

This bill would let the Secretary of Transportation create a grant program for transportation demonstration projects in small- or mid-sized communities with populations of 200,000 or less.

What the program would fund

The grants could support projects that test new or advanced transportation ideas related to surface passenger travel. Examples include:

• Data-sharing or system interoperability tools that help transportation systems work together
• Traveler support tools or services
• Automated vehicles
• Active demand management systems, such as tools that help manage travel demand
• Micro-transit services
• Micromobility devices such as small electric vehicles that weigh 100 pounds or less and do not exceed 20 mph
• Projects that improve first-mile and last-mile connections to regional transportation systems
• Projects connecting to local transit, intercity bus, rail, and aviation systems
• Projects involving electric or zero-emission systems
• Ride-share programs for rural residents

The Secretary could also approve other projects considered appropriate.

Who could apply

Eligible applicants would include:

• State departments of transportation
• Local governments
• Metropolitan planning organizations
• Public transportation agencies
• Other entities the Secretary decides are appropriate

Applicants would need to explain how they would work with partners such as:

• Colleges and universities
• States
• Local governments
• Regional transportation planning organizations
• Nonprofit research groups
• Private companies

How grants would be awarded

If the program is created, the Secretary would give priority to projects that show:

• Scalability
• Reliable operations
• Cost efficiency
• Technology validation in real-world conditions

The federal government could pay for up to 80% of a project’s cost. The remaining share could come from certain other federal transportation funds already available under existing law.

Definitions

The bill defines a few key terms, including:

• Small- or mid-sized community: an area with 200,000 people or fewer
• Ride-share program: a smartphone-app-based service where a passenger requests private point-to-point transportation from an independent driver for a fee
• Micromobility device: a wheeled vehicle with a low-powered electric motor, designed for human transport, weighing no more than 100 pounds, and unable to go faster than 20 mph

Relevant Companies

None found