Josh Riley (D-NY)
Improving Rural Transportation Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Improving Rural Transportation Act. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a multimodal transportation demonstration program. Under this program, the Secretary may make grants to eligible entities for advanced transportation technologies in small- or mid-sized communities. These grants cover surface passenger transportation modes and related technical support and planning costs. Eligible entities include State departments of transportation, local governments, and public transportation agencies. The Federal share of a demonstration project cost cannot exceed 80 percent.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +7
Does this invest in rural communities?
The legislation explicitly focuses on funding advanced transportation technologies and ride-share programs specifically for rural and small-to-mid-sized communities.
- Scored +7
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The legislation directly targets small- and mid-sized communities with grants for advanced transit and rural ride-share programs.
- Scored +6
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?
The bill establishes a multimodal transportation demonstration program to improve first-mile and last-mile connections and public transit options.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) allows the Secretary to make grants for advanced transportation technologies in small- or mid-sized communities, which can help improve local travel options like micro-transit and automated vehicles.
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Section 2(a)(2) allows for projects related to developing a ride-share program for persons in rural communities, which may help people get around where public transit is limited.
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Section 2(c) requires the Secretary to prioritize applications that demonstrate scalability, operational reliability, cost efficiency, and technology validation, ensuring that taxpayer money is pushed toward reliable and practical projects.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(d)(1) limits the Federal share of project costs to 80 percent, which means state and local governments must cover the remaining non-Federal share of at least 20 percent using other available funds.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The legislation explicitly focuses on funding advanced transportation technologies and ride-share programs specifically for rural and small-to-mid-sized communities. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill establishes a multimodal transportation demonstration program to improve first-mile and last-mile connections and public transit options. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The legislation specifically mentions support for electric and zero-emission transportation systems.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The legislation directly targets small- and mid-sized communities with grants for advanced transit and rural ride-share programs. Would farmers be better off under this? — Enhanced rural transportation and ride-share options benefit agricultural and remote communities by improving connectivity. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improved rural transit options and ride-share programs can help low-income individuals access employment and essential services.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill allows private sector and local entities to partner on transportation projects, creating opportunities for smaller enterprises. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds demonstration projects and ride-share programs in rural communities which can support local employment opportunities. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investing in advanced transportation technologies and infrastructure planning helps foster local economic activity.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The program encourages collaboration with institutions of higher education and nonprofit research organizations for advanced transportation tech.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish and manage a new federal grant demonstration program.
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
James GallagherRepublican · California