New federal grants would route more buses to community colleges and Head Start centers

What does this do?

HR 7099 would establish two new federal grant programs for public transit agencies to add or improve bus and rail service near qualifying schools and early childhood centers. Eligible improvements include new routes or stops, more frequent service, and adjusted schedules. Qualifying institutions include community colleges, minority-serving colleges, rural colleges, vocational and technical schools, and Head Start centers.

Who does it affect?

The bill primarily affects lower-income college students and parents of young children in Head Start programs who rely on public transportation. Local transit agencies and qualifying schools are also directly affected, including those in rural areas reached through the bill's rural transit provisions.

Why does it matter?

Transit agencies that receive grants would be required to partner with at least one qualifying school, and priority would go to systems serving schools where more than a quarter of students receive Pell Grants. People in rural areas are addressed through a separate funding mechanism using an existing federal program.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Starts at $1M per program in 2027
• Grows to $5M per program by 2031
• Two separate grant programs funded