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To amend title 23, United States Code, to clarify provisions relating to equal access for over-the-road buses, and for other purposes.
4/1/2025, 8:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 2526
Specifically, the bill includes provisions that require over-the-road buses to be equipped with features that make them accessible to individuals with disabilities, such as wheelchair lifts or ramps. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for training bus operators on how to assist individuals with disabilities and mandates that bus companies provide information on accessibility features to passengers.
Overall, the Equal Access for Over-the-Road Buses Act aims to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities who rely on over-the-road buses for transportation. The bill is non-partisan in nature and focuses on ensuring equal access for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
Congressional Summary of HR 2526
Bus Parity and Clarity Act
This bill specifies that charter bus service has the same access to tolling rates and roads as public transportation vehicles.
Current law applies the same access to tolling rates to public transportation vehicles and over-the-road buses (i.e., buses with an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment) that serve the public.
The bill specifies that the same access to rates apply to over-the-road buses in (1) scheduled service (e.g., intercity bus service), and (2) charter service. This applies to charter bus service for tolling for federal-aid highways, bridges, and tunnels; high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and facilities; and the Value Pricing Pilot Program of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Charter service includes transportation provided
- at the request of a third party for the exclusive use of a bus for a negotiated price (e.g., for a wedding or corporate event); or
- to the public for events or functions that occur on an irregular basis or for a limited duration, and a premium fare is charged or third party pays for the service (e.g., providing shuttle service for a public event).
In addition, the FHWA must annually publish on a publicly available website a unified database containing the rates, terms, and conditions of each toll facility covered under these provisions.
