This bill, introduced by Senator Blunt Rochester, focuses on "Transportation Demand Management." This means using strategies like carpooling, vanpooling, and remote work to make the best use of our roads and reduce the number of cars stuck in traffic.
The plan creates a $20 million annual fund specifically for rural communities. This money would help small towns start vanpool programs, create ride-sharing apps, and build "smart hubs" to help people get to work or the doctor without needing their own car.
It changes the rules so smaller cities can get help with traffic. Currently, some federal programs are only for cities with over 1 million people. This bill would set aside $20 million for smaller projects in towns of all sizes costing between $500,000 and $10 million.
The policy supports "micromobility," which includes things like bike-sharing and better paths for walking. It also encourages employers to offer benefits for workers who carpool or use public transit instead of driving alone.
By making the transportation system more efficient, the bill aims to lower the $74 billion annual cost of traffic congestion and help rural families who often spend a large portion of their paycheck on gas and car repairs.
Impact Analysis
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Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Jan 27, 2026Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
