U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (OH-10) is cosponsoring a bipartisan bill that would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the factors responsible for the high cost of procuring buses for public transit across the United States.
“As the former mayor of the City of Dayton, I understand the burden procurement costs place on local transit agencies, which subsequently impact the availability and reliability for riders,” Rep. Turner said on Monday. “Our bipartisan legislation will help inform lawmakers on the federal, state, and local levels on options to lower bus costs – which will ultimately lead to savings-generating strategies for transit agencies providing essential services to riders in communities like Dayton and those across the country.”
The congressman on July 16 introduced the Transit Bus Affordability Act, H.R. 4447, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) to specifically require the GAO to conduct a review of the efficient use of funds in procuring new buses for transit service, according to the bill’s text.
The GAO study also would examine cost drivers, including supply chain challenges, and recommend policies to Congress that could reduce bus prices, the lawmakers said.
“The rising cost for a city or town to purchase a single bus is holding back local transit agencies from meeting demand and expanding service,” said Rep. Frost. “This bipartisan bill with Rep. Turner is an important first step toward understanding the root of the problem and driving down costs so that communities can invest in more reliable, affordable transit options.”
The measure is under consideration by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.