Bus Parity and Clarity Act

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.