BUFFER Act

This legislation, known as the BUFFER Act, mandates the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations and guidance within one year of enactment. These directives will enable eligible regional transportation planning organizations to increase their spare bus ratio to 30 percent , upon their request. The primary goal is to enhance the resilience and reliability of public transit services, especially in areas frequently affected by extreme weather events , which often lead to operational disruptions and increased maintenance demands for buses. To be eligible for this increased ratio, an organization must certify that its region regularly experiences extreme weather, detail how these events have impacted bus operations, and explain how the higher spare ratio will ensure consistent service for fixed bus routes during such incidents.