The bill amends Title 74 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to enhance sustainable mobility options and improve public transportation frameworks. It introduces new classifications for transit entities—Class 1 through Class 4—based on the number of vehicles operated, and updates the definition of "community transportation service" to specify it as a public demand response system. A new "Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program" is established to support public transportation financing in rural regions. The bill also revises the financial assistance application process, requiring a policy on fare adjustments to meet performance targets and ensuring that at least 70% of federal rural public transportation funding is allocated to Class 3 and Class 4 entities.

Additionally, the bill mandates coordination among local transportation organizations in regions with multiple service providers and tasks the Department of Transportation with studying the feasibility of consolidating these organizations to reduce costs. It requires planning studies every five years to assess public transit services and modifies eligibility criteria for financial assistance to include only public transportation entities. The bill also establishes a pilot program for new shared ride models, emphasizes financial support for community transportation during emergencies, and introduces a small purchase threshold for local organizations while repealing a previous requirement for evaluating private investment opportunities. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of public transportation services across Pennsylvania.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1779 (May 30, 2025): 74-1503, P.L.14, No.10, P.L.769, No.240