VA Transit Act

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to establish a 5-year pilot program within one year of enactment. This program will award grants to eligible recipients, including State, local, and Tribal governmental entities, to improve public transportation services for veterans. The Secretary must ensure grants are equitably distributed across geographic regions, including rural and Tribal communities, and awarded to at least five eligible locations, defined as rural areas or urbanized areas with populations under 200,000. Grants will fund projects designed to expand, modify, retain, or establish public transportation services that provide veterans access to facilities and organizations serving them. These projects can include capital improvements, the acquisition of services, and associated operating costs. Grant applicants must describe the services intended, list sites to be served (especially veteran facilities), detail frequency and hours, and estimate veteran usage. Recipients are required to publicize and conduct outreach to veterans regarding the funded transportation services. Upon the pilot program's termination after five years, grant recipients must submit reports detailing project effects, accessibility improvements, changes in ridership, and other relevant data. The Secretary of Transportation must then compile these findings into a comprehensive report for Congress within 180 days, ensuring accountability and providing valuable information on the program's effectiveness in enhancing veteran access to essential transportation.