Summary: Commute LESS Act of 2011 or Commute-Leveraging Employer Support and Successes Act of 2011 - Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to revise the composition of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to include at least one representative designated by an employer advisory council established by this Act. Revises contents of MPO transportation plans prepared for metropolitan planning areas to include proposed activities and strategies to provide outreach to employers in the region to create and expand alternative commuting and commuter benefit programs (i.e. carpools, transit benefit, and telework programs). Requires each MPO to establish an employer advisory council consisting of representatives of employers within the MPO's boundaries. Requires an MPO transportation improvement program (TIP) to be developed in coordination with the advisory council and to include projects identified by it. Requires the advisory council to: (1) review how long-range transportation plans and TIPs will affect commuting habits; and (2) develop a commuter trip reduction plan. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to create and expand employer investment in transportation and commuter benefit programs. Requires a state receiving funding, in coordination with MPOs, to establish statewide goals for achieving reductions in vehicle miles traveled. Requires a recipient receiving federal-aid highway funding for a project with a value of $100 million or more or that will reduce traffic flow for more than 120 days to prepare, in coordination with the advisory council, a congestion mitigation plan for the project that includes funding for projects that reduce peak hour vehicle miles traveled along an impacted corridor. Requires the Secretary, when approving a major capital investment grant of $75 million or more for a major new fixed guideway capital project, to consider, among other things, the ability of the grant recipient to work with employers to get commuters to utilize the project. Directs the Secretary to require the grant applicant to include in its request a plan on how it intends to work with local employers and transportation management organizations to create and expand a commuter benefit program for the project.

commute act successes act amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea revise composition metropolitan planning organizations mpos include representative designated employer advisory council established act revises contents mpo transportation plans prepared metropolitan planning areas include proposed activities strategies provide outreach employers region create expand alternative commuting commuter benefit programs transit benefit telework programs requires mpo establish employer advisory council consisting representatives employers mpo boundaries requires mpo transportation improvement program tip developed coordination advisory council include projects identified requires advisory council review long range transportation plans tips affect commuting habits develop commuter trip reduction plan directs secretary transportation dot create expand employer investment transportation commuter benefit programs requires state receiving funding coordination mpos establish statewide goals achieving reductions vehicle miles traveled requires recipient receiving federal aid highway funding project value million reduce traffic flow days prepare coordination advisory council congestion mitigation plan project includes funding projects reduce peak hour vehicle miles traveled impacted corridor requires secretary approving major capital investment grant million major new fixed guideway capital project consider things ability grant recipient work employers commuters utilize project directs secretary require grant applicant include request plan intends work local employers transportation management organizations create expand commuter benefit program project


Summary: Private Investment in Commuter Vanpooling Act of 2011 - Allows the local matching share provided by a public transportation capital project assistance recipient to include expenditures by a private commuter vanpooling service provider to acquire rolling stock (vans). Authorizes such a private provider to use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs to acquire such vans, if there is a binding agreement requiring the vans to be used in the state or local government's service area.

private investment commuter act allows local matching share provided public transportation capital project assistance recipient include expenditures private commuter service provider acquire rolling stock vans authorizes private provider use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs acquire vans binding agreement requiring vans state local government service area


Summary: Transportation Job Corps Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish: (1) a National Joint Workforce Development Council, and (2) regional workforce development councils and governing boards in each of its 10 regions. Replaces the current discretionary grant and contract programs addressing human resource needs as they apply to public transportation activities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator, to establish programs for the award of grants to: (1) nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to introduce disconnected youth (ages 16 through 24 who are out of school and unemployed) to careers in the transit industry by providing them with basic skills education and pre-apprenticeship skills; (2) partnerships of transit agencies and unions representing non-managerial employees (partnerships), as well as providers of management and technical programs for managerial employees, to develop education programs to improve job skills of transit employees and to provide education and training to assist individuals to enter the transit profession; and (3) the same or similar partnerships to develop special projects to increase education opportunities for disadvantaged transit industry individuals, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented in transit management, by providing student scholarships, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities.

requires administrator federal_transit_administration fta establish national joint workforce development council regional workforce development councils governing boards regions replaces current discretionary grant contract programs addressing human resource needs apply public transportation activities directs secretary transportation acting administrator establish programs award grants nonprofit organizations educational institutions introduce disconnected youth ages school unemployed careers transit industry providing basic skills education pre apprenticeship skills partnerships transit agencies unions representing non managerial employees partnerships providers management technical programs managerial employees develop education programs improve job skills transit employees provide education training assist individuals enter transit profession similar partnerships develop special projects increase education opportunities disadvantaged transit industry individuals including racial ethnic minorities underrepresented transit management providing student scholarships pre entry preparation retention activities


Summary: Bus Uniform Standards and Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 or the BUSES Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to require: (1) monitoring of the safety performance of motorcoach service providers and other commercial motor carriers of passengers; and (2) progressive interventions to correct unsafe practices, and if they are not corrected, an enforcement action. Authorizes the Secretary to organize special enforcement strike forces to target commercial motor vehicle operators when appropriate. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations to establish minimum training requirements for motorcoach drivers, (2) review testing requirements for a commercial driver's license passenger endorsement, (3) develop requirements for the testing of medical examiners who examine commercial motor vehicle operators for physical fitness and seek to be listed in the national registry, (4) review annually the implementation of the commercial driver's license requirements of at least 10 states to assess the validity of physical examination reports and medical certificates submitted by certified medical examiners, and (5) establish the national registry of medical examiners. Sets forth additional Medical Review Board functions. Requires the Secretary to review and report to Congress on federal commercial motor vehicle safety inspection standards. Revises federal motor carrier registration requirements. Directs the Secretary to prescribe federal motor vehicle safety standards for occupant protection systems for new and existing motorcoaches. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a qualified motorcoach safety credit to a taxpayer for the costs of new and existing motorcoaches to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards. Requires the Secretary to provide grants (not to exceed $20,000 per vehicle) to motorcoach operators to assist with the cost of retrofitting motorcoaches in order to comply with such federal standards. Amends the Small Business Act to grant the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) the authority to make SBA loans and loan guarantees to motorcoach operators to retrofit their buses and motorcoaches for occupant protection.

bus uniform standards enhanced safety act buses act directs secretary transportation issue regulations require monitoring safety performance service providers commercial motor carriers passengers progressive interventions correct unsafe practices corrected enforcement action authorizes secretary organize special enforcement strike forces target commercial motor vehicle operators appropriate directs secretary prescribe regulations establish minimum training requirements drivers review testing requirements commercial driver license passenger endorsement develop requirements testing medical examiners examine commercial motor vehicle operators physical fitness seek listed national registry review annually implementation commercial driver license requirements states assess validity physical examination reports medical certificates submitted certified medical examiners establish national registry medical examiners sets forth additional functions requires secretary review report congress federal commercial motor vehicle safety inspection standards revises federal motor carrier registration requirements directs secretary prescribe federal motor vehicle safety standards occupant protection systems new existing amends internal revenue code provide qualified safety credit taxpayer costs new existing comply federal motor vehicle safety standards requires secretary provide grants exceed vehicle operators assist cost retrofitting order comply federal standards amends small_business_act grant administrator small_business_administration sba authority sba loans loan guarantees operators retrofit buses occupant protection


Summary: Requires states, at a minimum, to cooperate with affected nonmetropolitan local officials responsible for transportation through regional transportation planning organizations to develop and implement long-range statewide transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement programs, with emphasis on addressing the transportation needs of nonmetropolitan areas of the state. Defines a regional transportation planning organization as a multi-jurisdictional organization composed of nonmetropolitan local officials (or their designees) and representatives of local transportation systems who all volunteer for such organization.

requires states minimum cooperate affected nonmetropolitan local officials responsible transportation regional transportation planning organizations develop implement long range statewide transportation plans statewide transportation improvement programs emphasis addressing transportation needs nonmetropolitan areas state defines regional transportation planning organization multi jurisdictional organization composed nonmetropolitan local officials designees representatives local transportation systems volunteer organization


Summary: Transportation Flexible Savings Accounts Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain employer-provided transportation benefits (i.e., commuting and parking costs, transit passes) under tax-qualified flexible spending arrangements.

accounts act amends internal revenue code allow certain employer provided transportation benefits commuting parking costs transit passes tax qualified flexible spending arrangements


Summary: Providing Gas Price Relief Through Public Transportation Act of 2011 - Authorizes additional FY2011-FY2012 appropriations for formula grants to both urbanized and nonurbanized areas for the operating and capital costs of public transportation (including intercity bus service) equipment and facilities, but only if grant recipients: (1) reduce or do not increase fares, (2) do not reduce service, (3) expand service, (4) acquire clean fuel or alternative fuel vehicle-related equipment or facilities, or (5) establish or expand commuter matching services. Requires a 100% federal share of a grant project involving acquisition of clean fuel or alternative fuel vehicle-related equipment or facilities to comply with the Clean Air Act. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to direct the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to issue guidance on nationwide implementation of the transit pass transportation fringe benefits program for federal employees. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to carry out vanpool demonstration projects.

providing gas price relief public transportation act authorizes additional fy2011 fy2012 appropriations formula grants urbanized nonurbanized areas operating capital costs public transportation including intercity bus service equipment facilities grant recipients reduce increase fares reduce service expand service acquire clean fuel alternative fuel vehicle related equipment facilities establish expand commuter matching services requires federal share grant project involving acquisition clean fuel alternative fuel vehicle related equipment facilities comply clean air act amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea direct secretary transportation dot issue guidance nationwide implementation transit pass transportation fringe benefits program federal employees directs secretary establish pilot program carry vanpool demonstration projects


Summary: Technology Helps Revamp, Evaluate, and Expedite Designs Act of 2011 or THREE-D Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to identify and encourage the use of advanced technologies, including 3-dimensional modeling and simulation software, during environmental, planning, financial management, design, simulation, and construction processes of federal-aid highway projects. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement incentives to accelerate the use of such technologies on such projects.

technology evaluate expedite designs act act directs secretary transportation dot identify encourage use advanced technologies including modeling simulation software environmental planning financial management design simulation construction processes federal aid highway projects authorizes secretary develop implement incentives accelerate use technologies projects


Summary: Community Transit Promotion Act of 2011 - Revises cost-sharing requirements for Department of Transportation (DOT) grants for job access service projects (designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and employment-related activities), reverse commute projects (designed to transport residents of urbanized areas and other than urbanized areas to suburban employment opportunities), and new freedom program projects (that assist individuals with disabilities with public transportation services and alternatives, including transportation to and from jobs and employment support services). Increases the maximum operating assistance grant amount for such projects from 50% to 80% of the net operating project costs. Adds fare box revenues and service agreements with a transit provider as sources for the remainder of net project costs.

community transit promotion act revises cost sharing requirements department_of_transportation dot grants job access service projects designed transport welfare recipients eligible low income individuals jobs employment related activities reverse commute projects designed transport residents urbanized areas urbanized areas suburban employment opportunities new freedom program projects assist individuals disabilities public transportation services alternatives including transportation jobs employment support services increases maximum operating assistance grant projects net operating project costs adds fare box revenues service agreements transit provider sources remainder net project costs


Summary: State Transportation Emergency Flexibility Act of 2011 - Authorizes a state, after declaring an emergency regarding any component of the National Highway System, to repair or replace such component using any funds apportioned to the state under: (1) the federal-aid highway program; or (2) the coordinated border infrastructure or safe routes to school programs under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

authorizes state declaring emergency component repair replace component funds apportioned state federal aid highway program coordinated border infrastructure safe routes school programs safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea


Summary: Transit System Flexibility Protection Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for the operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation systems as follows: (1) not exceeding 50 percent in systems that operate 75 or fewer buses during peak service hours in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000, and (2) not exceeding 25 percent in systems that operate a minimum of 76 buses and a maximum of 100 buses during peak service hours in such an urbanized area.

authorizes secretary transportation grants operating costs equipment facilities use public transportation systems follows exceeding percent systems operate fewer buses peak service hours urbanized area population exceeding percent systems operate minimum buses maximum buses peak service hours urbanized area


Summary: Transit Related Investment Improvement Act of 2012 - Amends the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to make eligible for TIFIA funding any projects to improve or construct public infrastructure located within one-half mile of the station area of a fixed-guideway transit facility, including improvements to mobility and parking, rehabilitation or construction of streets, transit stations, structured parking, or walkways and bikeways.

improvement act amends innovation_act tifia eligible tifia funding projects improve construct public infrastructure located half mile station area fixed guideway transit facility including improvements mobility parking rehabilitation construction streets transit stations structured parking


Summary: Public Transit Security and Local Law Enforcement Support Act - Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to allow grants to eligible public transportation agencies for security improvements to be used for specialized patrol teams, including the sustainment of such teams without fiscal year limitation, as long as the agency applying for grant funds submits a sustainment plan for maintaining in future years the capability or capacity achieved with the funds. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2013. Prohibits more than 50% of such funds from being used for operational costs.

public transit security local law enforcement support act amends implementing recommendations commission act allow grants eligible public transportation agencies security improvements specialized patrol teams including sustainment teams fiscal year limitation long agency applying grant funds submits sustainment plan maintaining future years capability capacity achieved funds authorizes appropriations prohibits funds operational costs


Summary: Talk Before You Toll Act of 2012 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to revise the Interstate System (IS) reconstruction and rehabilitation pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to permit states to collect tolls on highways, bridges, or tunnels for reconstructing and rehabilitating IS highway corridors only if the state has solicited, received, and published on its website public comments approving or disapproving the toll facility, including comments on its economic and environmental impact. Directs the Secretary, upon a state's application for a facility, to meet monthly with local transportation representatives and consumer advocacy groups to discuss their views and recommendations for any modifications to a state's plan for a proposed toll facility. Requires a state to hold at least one public meeting to review the specifics of its final facility management plan and solicit public comment. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to: (1) publish on its website all comments and suggestions received by the state regarding the proposed toll facility, and (2) consider them before making a final determination on a state's application.

talk toll act amends transportation equity act 21st century revise reconstruction rehabilitation pilot program authorizes secretary transportation dot permit states collect tolls highways bridges tunnels reconstructing rehabilitating highway corridors state solicited received published website public comments approving disapproving toll facility including comments economic environmental impact directs secretary state application facility meet monthly local transportation representatives consumer advocacy groups discuss views recommendations modifications state plan proposed toll facility requires state hold public meeting review final facility management plan solicit public comment requires administrator federal_highway_administration fhwa publish website comments suggestions received state proposed toll facility consider making final determination state application


Summary: Commercial Driver Compliance Improvement Act - Requires all commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate commerce and operated by a driver subject to both federal hours-of-service and record of duty status requirements, in order to improve compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations, to be equipped with an electronic on-board recording device meeting performance requirements and certification criteria and certain other requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT).

commercial motor vehicles involved interstate commerce operated driver subject federal hours service record duty status requirements order improve compliance federal hours service regulations equipped electronic board recording device meeting performance requirements certification criteria certain requirements prescribed secretary transportation dot


Summary: Private Investment in Commuter Vanpooling Act of 2011 - Allows the local matching share of the cost of a public transportation capital project to include expenditures by a private commuter vanpooling service provider to acquire rolling stock (vans). Authorizes such a private provider to use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs to acquire such vans, if there is a binding agreement requiring the vans to be used in the state or local government's service area.

private investment commuter act allows local matching share cost public transportation capital project include expenditures private commuter service provider acquire rolling stock vans authorizes private provider use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs acquire vans binding agreement requiring vans state local government service area


Summary: Lincoln Legacy Infrastructure Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish the Private-Public Partnership Challenge Grant Program. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to states for use in implementing innovative strategies to use private-public partnerships to fund rail, aviation, transit, highway, and waterway transportation. Requires the Secretary to use federal surcharges generated from agreements from the concession or lease of safety rest areas to carry out such program. Authorizes the Secretary to permit a state to enter into one or more agreements with the Secretary for the commercialization, lease, or concession of a safety rest area constructed or located on an Interstate System (IS) right-of-way if: (1) access is free of charge, and (2) the state agrees to pay the Secretary a federal surcharge of 5% of the total amount received under the agreement. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing a federal surcharge on a state that has allowed the placement of blind vending facilities in rest and recreation areas, and in safety rest areas, located on IS rights-of-way. Revises state high occupancy vehicle (HOV) facility requirements to increase from a minimum of two to a minimum of three the number of occupants per vehicle for use of an HOV facility in cases of congestion meeting certain criteria. Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to remove limits on the number of state or local governments or public authorities with which the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements to establish value pricing pilot programs (in effect, allowing extension of the programs to all such authorities). Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to increase from 3 to 10 the number of IS highways, bridges, or tunnels where a state may collect tolls for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of IS highway corridors. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to eliminate restrictions on: (1) the number of projects under the express lanes demonstration program (currently 15), and (2) the number of IS facilities on which the Secretary may collect IS construction tolls (currently 3). Eliminates the nonsubordination of secured loans and lines of credit used to finance surface transportation project costs to the claims of any holder of project obligations in the event of the obligor's bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation. (Thus allows subordination of secured loans and lines of credit to such claims.) Makes eligible for railroad rehabilitation and improvement direct loans and loan guarantees: (1) projects and activities that benefit high-speed rail, and (2) development phase activities. Removes limits on the number of airport applications (currently five) under the airport privatization pilot program the Secretary may approve for the grant of exemptions from certain requirements in order to allow the sale or lease to nonpublic persons of a general aviation airport. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish a six-year public-private partnership experimental program to encourage recipients of certain federal assistance to carry out tests and experimentation in the public transportation project development process designed to: (1) attract private investment in such projects (including high occupancy/toll [HOT] lane facilities); and (2) increase project management flexibility and innovation, improve efficiency, allow for timely project implementation, and create new revenue streams. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the cap on the aggregate allowable amount of tax-exempt bonds to finance qualified highway or surface freight transfer facilities. Revises a specified formula in order to reduce annual adjustments to pay schedules for federal employees for FY2013-FY2021.

secretary transportation dot establish authorizes secretary provide grants states use implementing innovative strategies use private public partnerships fund rail aviation transit highway waterway transportation requires secretary use federal surcharges generated agreements concession lease safety rest areas carry program authorizes secretary permit state enter agreements secretary commercialization lease concession safety rest area constructed located interstate system right way access free charge state agrees pay secretary federal surcharge total received agreement prohibits secretary imposing federal surcharge state allowed placement blind vending facilities rest recreation areas safety rest areas located rights way revises state high occupancy vehicle hov facility requirements increase minimum minimum number occupants vehicle use hov facility cases congestion meeting certain criteria amends remove limits number state local governments public authorities secretary enter cooperative agreements establish value pricing pilot programs effect allowing extension programs authorities amends transportation equity act 21st century increase number highways bridges tunnels state collect tolls reconstruction rehabilitation highway corridors amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea eliminate restrictions number projects express lanes demonstration program currently number facilities secretary collect construction tolls currently eliminates secured loans lines credit finance surface transportation project costs claims holder project obligations event obligor bankruptcy insolvency liquidation allows subordination secured loans lines credit claims makes eligible railroad rehabilitation improvement direct loans loan guarantees projects activities benefit high speed rail development phase activities removes limits number airport applications currently airport privatization pilot program secretary approve grant exemptions certain requirements order allow sale lease nonpublic persons general aviation airport directs administrator federal_transit_administration fta establish year public private partnership experimental program encourage recipients certain federal assistance carry tests experimentation public transportation project development process designed attract private investment projects including high occupancy toll hot lane facilities increase project management flexibility innovation improve efficiency allow timely project implementation create new revenue streams amends internal revenue code remove cap aggregate allowable tax exempt bonds finance qualified highway surface freight transfer facilities revises specified formula order reduce annual adjustments pay schedules federal employees


Summary: Emergency Transportation Safety Fund Act - Eliminates the transportation enhancement program. Establishes the Emergency Transportation Safety Fund. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to compile a prioritized list of emergency transportation projects, which will guide the allocation of Fund amounts to the states.

act eliminates transportation enhancement program directs secretary transportation dot compile prioritized list emergency transportation projects guide allocation fund amounts states


Summary: Jumpstarting Transit-Oriented Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to award grants to transit agencies, state or local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, tribal governments, or partnerships among them to establish a specific, implementable strategy for mixed-income, mixed-use development projects that lead to successful transit-oriented development within one-half mile of an existing or planned major transit facility. Defines "major transit facility" to mean: (1) a station that is part of a fixed-guideway public transportation system, (2) a high-speed rail or intercity rail station, (3) a transit hub, or (4) a transit center located in a nonurbanized area. Authorizes the Secretary to make or guarantee loans to eligible borrowers to carry out such projects.

transit oriented development act authorizes secretary transportation dot award grants transit agencies state local governments metropolitan planning organizations tribal governments partnerships establish specific strategy mixed income mixed use development projects lead successful transit oriented development half mile existing planned major transit facility defines major transit facility mean station fixed guideway public transportation system high speed rail intercity rail station transit hub transit center located nonurbanized area authorizes secretary guarantee loans eligible borrowers carry projects


Summary:
Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to make it a priority to assign DHS officers and intelligence analysts, including from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to participating state and urban area fusion centers located in high-risk jurisdictions with mass transit systems to enhance security of such systems by assisting law enforcement authorities in identifying, investigating, and otherwise interdicting persons, weapons, and contraband that pose a threat to homeland security.

Makes it a primary responsibility of such officers and analysts to create mass transit intelligence products that: (1) assist law enforcement agencies in deploying their resources most efficiently to help detect and interdict terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and contraband at U.S. mass transit systems; (2) promote more consistent and timely dissemination of mass transit security-relevant information among jurisdictions with such systems; and (3) enhance DHS's situational awareness with respect to the threat of terrorist acts at or involving U.S. mass transit systems.

mass transit intelligence prioritization act amends homeland security act direct secretary homeland_security dhs priority assign dhs officers intelligence analysts including transportation_security_administration tsa participating state urban area fusion centers located high risk jurisdictions mass transit systems enhance security systems assisting law enforcement authorities identifying investigating persons weapons contraband pose threat homeland security makes primary responsibility officers analysts create mass transit intelligence products assist law enforcement agencies deploying resources efficiently help detect interdict terrorists weapons mass destruction contraband mass transit systems promote consistent timely dissemination mass transit security relevant information jurisdictions systems enhance dhs situational awareness respect threat terrorist acts involving mass transit systems


Summary: Commuter Parity Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the exclusion from gross income, for income tax purposes, of certain transportation benefits provided by an employer to an employee, to allow a monthly exclusion amount of: (1) $220 for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle from home to work and any transit pass, (2) $220 for qualified parking, and (3) $35 for qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement. Allows an annual cost-of-living adjustment to such exclusion amounts after 2014.

commuter parity act amends internal revenue code modify exclusion gross income income tax purposes certain transportation benefits provided employer employee allow monthly exclusion transportation commuter highway vehicle home work transit pass qualified parking qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement allows annual cost living adjustment exclusion amounts


Summary:
Transportation Empowerment Act - Declares the purposes of the Act, including returning maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility to the states for all elements of the national surface transportation systems (excluding the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways).

Prescribes a limitation on funding of transportation programs and projects carried out under this Act.

Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY2015-FY2019 for specified core programs under the federal-aid highway program, including: (1) metropolitan transportation planning, (2) emergency relief for highways and roads, (3) the federal lands transportation program, and (4) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative expenses.

Authorizes a state to transfer and use excess federal-aid highway funds for any surface transportation project (including mass transit and rail).

Limits federal assistance to states for highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation to bridges on the federal-aid highway system. Repeals the authorization of federal assistance to states for historic bridges.

Repeals the transportation alternatives program.

Declares that, beginning with FY2014, a highway construction or improvement project shall not be considered a federal project: (1) unless and until a state expends federal funds for the construction portion of such project, (2) solely by reason of the state expenditure of federal funds before the construction phase of the project (including for any environmental document or design work), or (3) upon state reimbursement to the federal government of the federal costs of such projects.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make amounts in the HTF available for expenditure for core highway programs through FY2020.

Requires the Secretary of Treasury to transfer from the HTF amounts equivalent to motorboat and aviation fuel taxes collected before October 1, 2022, to: (1) the Land and Water Conservation Fund, (2) the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and (3) the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.

Requires the Secretary to pay from the HTF into the general fund of the Treasury amounts equivalent to the floor stocks refunds made before July 1, 2023.

Prescribes a motor fuel tax rate schedule for financing of core highway programs.

Terminates, on September 30, 2014, the authority of the Secretary to make certain transfers to the Mass Transit Account. Directs the Secretary, on October 1, 2014, to transfer all amounts in the Mass Transit Account to the Highway Account.

Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY2015-FY2019 for the highway research and development program.

Directs the Secretary to allocate to the states for surface transportation projects (including mass transit and rail) any excess highway tax receipts appropriated to the HTF in FY2016-FY2019.

Reduces the excise taxes imposed on: (1) gasoline from 18.3 cents to 3.7 cents, (2) diesel fuel or kerosene from 24.3 cents to 5.0 cents, and (3) diesel-water fuel emulsion from 19.7 cents to 4.1 cents. Requires credits or refunds of certain floor stocks taxes on liquids imposed before October 1, 2019.

Declares that this Act shall become effective only if the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) certifies that it is deficit neutral.

transportation empowerment act declares purposes act including returning maximum discretionary authority fiscal responsibility states elements national surface transportation systems excluding prescribes limitation funding transportation programs projects carried act authorizes appropriations highway_trust_fund htf mass transit account fy2015 fy2019 specified core programs federal aid highway program including metropolitan transportation planning emergency relief highways roads federal lands transportation program federal_highway_administration fhwa administrative expenses authorizes state transfer use excess federal aid highway funds surface transportation project including mass transit rail limits federal assistance states highway bridge replacement rehabilitation bridges federal aid highway system repeals authorization federal assistance states historic bridges repeals transportation alternatives program declares beginning fy2014 highway construction improvement project shall considered federal project state expends federal funds construction portion project solely reason state expenditure federal funds construction phase project including environmental document design work state reimbursement federal government federal costs projects amends internal revenue code amounts htf available expenditure core highway programs fy2020 requires secretary treasury transfer htf amounts equivalent aviation fuel taxes collected october land water conservation fund sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund airport airway_trust_fund requires secretary pay htf general fund treasury amounts equivalent floor stocks refunds july prescribes motor fuel tax rate schedule financing core highway programs terminates september authority secretary certain transfers mass transit account directs secretary october transfer amounts mass transit account highway account authorizes appropriations htf mass transit account fy2015 fy2019 highway research development program directs secretary allocate states surface transportation projects including mass transit rail excess highway tax receipts appropriated htf fy2016 fy2019 reduces excise taxes imposed gasoline cents cents diesel fuel kerosene cents cents diesel water fuel emulsion cents cents requires credits refunds certain floor stocks taxes liquids imposed october declares act shall effective director office_of_management_and_budget omb certifies deficit neutral


Summary:
New Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Financing Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program to make loans and loan guarantees to eligible entities to carry out bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects.

Prescribes project eligibility requirements.

Requires the Secretary to ensure that at least 25% of funds provided under this Act are used to support projects in low-income communities.

new opportunities bicycle pedestrian infrastructure financing act authorizes secretary transportation dot establish pilot program loans loan guarantees eligible entities carry bicycle pedestrian infrastructure projects prescribes project eligibility requirements requires secretary ensure funds provided act support projects low income communities


Summary:
Pedestrian Fatalities Reduction Act of 2014 - Requires any state with a per capita increase in the number of fatalities or serious injuries of pedestrians or users of nonmotorized forms of transportation in the state, or a particular county in the state, during the most recent two-year period to include in its subsequent strategic highway safety plan strategies to address that increase. Requires states to take data on such fatalities and injuries into consideration when updating such plans.

Revises any subset the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) establishes of the model inventory of roadway elements (MIRE) for the inventory of roadway safety, and used by state and local departments of transportation to implement their strategic highway safety plans, to include elements that improve safety for pedestrians and users of nonmotorized forms of transportation.

pedestrian fatalities reduction act requires state capita increase number fatalities injuries pedestrians users nonmotorized forms transportation state particular county state recent year period include subsequent strategic highway safety plan strategies address increase requires states data fatalities injuries consideration updating plans revises subset secretary transportation dot establishes model inventory roadway elements inventory roadway safety state local departments transportation implement strategic highway safety plans include elements improve safety pedestrians users nonmotorized forms transportation


Summary: Government Services Accessibility Act of 2014 - Prohibits the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) from leasing a building for a federal agency unless the Administrator determines that the building to be leased would satisfy requirements relating to access to public transportation, including any requirement that the building is located not greater than a certain distance from public transportation that operates regularly throughout the building's normal business hours.

government services prohibits administrator general_services_administration gsa leasing building federal agency administrator determines building leased satisfy requirements relating access public transportation including requirement building located greater certain distance public transportation operates regularly building normal business hours


Summary: Bike to Work Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a bicycle sharing system as a mass transit facility for purposes of the tax exclusion of employer-paid commuting expenses. Defines "bicycle sharing system" as a public transportation system: (1) consisting of a network of stations at which bicycles are made available to customers for commuting and short-term, point-to-point use within the network's service area; and (2) that is operated or authorized by a government agency or public-private partnership.

work act amends internal revenue code include bicycle sharing system mass transit facility purposes tax exclusion employer paid commuting expenses defines bicycle sharing system public transportation system consisting network stations bicycles available customers commuting short term point point use network service area operated authorized government agency public private partnership


Summary:
Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act - Revises metropolitan transportation planning organization (MPO) requirements.

Prescribes requirements for the designation of new and consolidation of multiple MPOs within a metropolitan statistical area.

Defines "consolidated metropolitan planning organization" to mean a sole MPO that serves a metropolitan statistical area.

Allows an MPO for an urbanized area with a population over 200,000 to request a high-performing MPO designation from the Secretary of Transportation (DOT). Specifies criteria the Secretary shall consider in making such designation.

Revises certain allocations of surface transportation program funds to states for: (1) any areas with a population of fewer (under current law, non-urban areas with more) than 5,000, and (2) urbanized areas with a population over 200,000 that have a high-performing MPO.

Makes similar changes to the transportation alternatives program.

Extends permanently a state's obligational authority to distribute a specified amount of surface transportation program funds for federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000, including those areas that have a high-performing MPO.

Makes permanent a special rule authorizing a state to obligate up to 15% of its apportionment of surface transportation program funds for each fiscal on roads functionally classified as minor collectors in areas of less than 5,000 population.

Revises requirements for the apportionment of state planning funds to MPOs.

Requires a state's apportionment to be distributed in accordance with a formula that prioritizes the needs of high-performing MPOs.

Requires metropolitan planning organizations to involve public port authorities in metropolitan freight transportation planning.

Revises the statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning process for the development of statewide transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement programs for federal-aid highway projects. Makes certain changes from discretionary to mandatory with respect to such process.

Requires the Secretary to certify at least once every four years that each state has met certain requirements; and other federal laws, regulations, and orders applicable to the statewide and nonmetropolitan and the metropolitan processes.

Authorizes the Secretary to withhold up to 20% of a state's apportionment of funds for federal-aid highway projects and public transportation projects if the state fails to meet such certification.

Makes similar changes to requirements for public transportation program projects.

Eliminates the requirement that the congestion management process be addressed in the metropolitan transportation planning and statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning of such projects in:

 urbanized transportation management areas with a population over 200,000 individuals, and certain nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide. Revises requirements authorizing a MPO to voluntarily elect to develop multiple scenarios for consideration as part of the development of the metropolitan transportation plan for a metropolitan planning area.

Requires a MPO to offer certain interested parties a reasonable opportunity to participate in the development and consideration of those scenarios as well as provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan.

Prescribes requirements to require MPOs to create a performance-based target achievement process for adding projects to a transportation improvement program.

metropolitan transportation planning organization mpo requirements prescribes requirements designation new consolidation multiple mpos metropolitan statistical area defines consolidated metropolitan planning organization mean sole mpo serves metropolitan statistical area allows mpo urbanized area population request high performing mpo designation secretary transportation dot specifies criteria secretary shall consider making designation revises certain allocations surface transportation program funds states areas population fewer current law non urban areas urbanized areas population high performing mpo makes similar changes transportation alternatives program extends permanently state obligational authority distribute specified surface transportation program funds federal aid highways highway safety construction programs urbanized areas population including areas high performing mpo makes permanent special rule authorizing state obligate apportionment surface transportation program funds fiscal roads functionally classified minor collectors areas population revises requirements apportionment state planning funds mpos requires state apportionment distributed accordance formula prioritizes needs high performing mpos requires metropolitan planning organizations involve public port authorities metropolitan freight transportation planning revises statewide nonmetropolitan transportation planning process development statewide transportation plans statewide transportation improvement programs federal aid highway projects makes certain changes discretionary mandatory respect process requires secretary certify years state met certain requirements federal laws regulations orders applicable statewide nonmetropolitan metropolitan processes authorizes secretary withhold state apportionment funds federal aid highway projects public transportation projects state fails meet certification makes similar changes requirements public transportation program projects eliminates requirement congestion management process addressed metropolitan transportation planning statewide nonmetropolitan transportation planning projects urbanized transportation management areas population individuals certain nonattainment areas ozone carbon monoxide revises requirements authorizing mpo voluntarily elect develop multiple scenarios consideration development metropolitan transportation plan metropolitan planning area requires mpo offer certain interested parties reasonable opportunity participate development consideration scenarios provide input development implementation transportation plan prescribes requirements require mpos create performance based target achievement process adding projects transportation improvement program


Summary:
Transportation Connections to Opportunity Act of 2014 - Requires the metropolitan transportation planning process to offer interested parties a reasonable opportunity to participate in the development and consideration of transportation scenarios in a metropolitan planning area. Includes as a national transportation goal an interconnected transportation system which connects people to jobs, schools, and other essential services through a multimodal network. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a performance measure for use by metropolitan planning organizations in assessing the degree to which a transportation system provides multimodal connections to opportunity, particularly for transportation-disadvantaged populations.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a pilot program in which not more than 10 metropolitan planning organizations develop and deploy measures and targets to improve multimodal connectivity and increase connections for populations with limited transportation options; (2) create and maintain data sets and analysis tools to assist metropolitan planning organizations, states, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) in carrying out performance management analyses; and (3) carry out a broadband infrastructure initiative to expand right-of-way use to accommodate broadband infrastructure (buried or aerial facilities that provide wired or wireless connections to enable users to send and receive data) and improve broadband access in unserved and underserved areas.

requires metropolitan transportation planning process offer interested parties reasonable opportunity participate development consideration transportation scenarios metropolitan planning area includes national transportation goal interconnected transportation system connects people jobs schools essential services multimodal network authorizes secretary transportation establish performance measure use metropolitan planning organizations assessing degree transportation system provides multimodal connections opportunity particularly transportation disadvantaged populations directs secretary establish pilot program metropolitan planning organizations develop deploy measures targets improve multimodal connectivity increase connections populations limited transportation options create maintain data sets analysis tools assist metropolitan planning organizations states department_of_transportation dot carrying performance management analyses carry broadband infrastructure initiative expand right way use accommodate broadband infrastructure buried aerial facilities provide wireless connections enable users send receive data improve broadband access unserved underserved areas


Summary: Public Transportation Accountability Act - Prohibits a public transportation agency that receives federal funds from providing annual compensation (i.e., salary and amounts paid under a severance agreement) to the chief executive officer or any other office or employee of such agency in an amount that exceeds the annual compensation of the President of the United States ($400,000 base salary).

public transportation accountability act prohibits public transportation agency receives federal funds providing annual compensation salary amounts paid severance agreement chief executive officer office employee agency exceeds annual compensation president united_states base salary


Summary:
Safe Streets Act of 2014 - Requires each state to have in effect within two years a law, or each state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) an explicit policy statement, that requires all federally-funded transportation projects, with certain exceptions, to accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with certain complete streets principles.

Defines "complete streets principles" as federal, state, local, or regional level transportation laws, policies, or principles which ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, freight vehicles, and individuals with disabilities, are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development.

Allows such law or policy to make project-specific exemptions from such principles only if: (1) affected roadways prohibit specified users by law from using them, the cost of a compliance project would be excessively disproportionate to the need, or the population, employment densities, traffic volumes, or level of transit service around a roadway is so low that the expected roadway users will not include pedestrians, public transportation, freight vehicles, or bicyclists; and (2) all such exemptions are properly approved.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a method for evaluating compliance by state departments of transportation and MPOs with complete streets principles.

Requires the Access Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities for public rights-of-way.

Requires the Secretary to conduct research regarding complete streets to: (1) assist states, MPOs, and local jurisdictions in developing and implementing complete streets-compliant plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training programs; and (2) establish benchmarks for, and provide technical guidance on, implementing complete streets policies and principles.

safe streets act requires state effect years law state department transportation metropolitan planning organization mpo explicit policy statement requires federally funded transportation projects certain exceptions accommodate safety convenience users accordance certain complete streets principles defines complete streets principles federal state local regional level transportation laws policies principles ensure safety convenience users transportation system including pedestrians public transit users children older individuals freight vehicles individuals disabilities accommodated phases project planning development allows law policy project specific exemptions principles affected prohibit specified users law cost compliance project excessively disproportionate need population employment traffic volumes level transit service roadway low expected roadway users include pedestrians public transportation freight vehicles exemptions properly approved requires secretary transportation dot establish method evaluating compliance state departments transportation mpos complete streets principles requires issue final standards accessibility new construction alterations pedestrian facilities public rights way requires secretary conduct research complete streets assist states mpos local jurisdictions developing implementing complete streets compliant plans projects procedures policies training programs establish benchmarks provide technical guidance implementing complete streets policies principles


Summary: Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Financing Act - Amends the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to make eligible for TIFIA funding any projects to improve or construct public infrastructure located within walking distance of and accessible to a fixed guideway transit facility, passenger rail station, intercity bus station, or intermodal facility, including transportation, public utility, and certain capital projects, and related infrastructure.

financing act amends innovation_act tifia eligible tifia funding projects improve construct public infrastructure located walking distance accessible fixed guideway transit facility passenger rail station intercity bus station intermodal facility including transportation public utility certain capital projects related infrastructure


Summary: Government Services Accessibility Act or the GSA Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) from leasing a building for a federal agency unless the Administrator determines that the building to be leased would satisfy requirements relating to access to public transportation, including any requirement that the building is located not greater than a certain distance from public transportation that operates regularly throughout the building's normal business hours.

government services gsa act prohibits administrator general services administration gsa leasing building federal agency administrator determines building leased satisfy requirements relating access public transportation including requirement building located greater certain distance public transportation operates regularly building normal business hours


Summary:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2015

 Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program to make loans and loan guarantees to eligible entities to carry out bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects.

Prescribes project eligibility requirements.

Requires the Secretary to ensure that at least 25% of funds provided under this Act are used to support projects in low-income communities.

bicycle pedestrian infrastructure improvement act authorizes secretary transportation establish pilot program loans loan guarantees eligible entities carry bicycle pedestrian infrastructure projects prescribes project eligibility requirements requires secretary ensure funds provided act support projects low income communities


Summary:
Commute Less Act of 2015

 Requires metropolitan planning organization (MPO) transportation plans to include, among other things, employer and transportation management organization outreach activities and strategies to help create and expand employer-based commuter programs.

Defines "employer-based commuter program" to mean a program implemented by employers to provide their employees with alternatives to driving to and from work in a vehicle occupied by a single individual.

Requires each MPO to establish an employer advisory council consisting of representatives of employers in the transportation management area. Requires each council to develop and maintain a commuter trip reduction plan that identifies area goals for the reduction of vehicle miles traveled during peak commuting hours.

Requires MPO transportation improvement programs to include, among other things, a list of projects identified in a commuter trip reduction plan that help achieve such reduction goals.

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make a grant to a national nonprofit organization or other entity engaged in efforts relating to employer-based commuter programs to establish and operate an information clearinghouse for employer investment in transportation and employer-based commuter programs.

Requires recipients of federal assistance for the construction of federal-aid highway projects costing $75 million or more, or that will reduce traffic flow for more than 120 days, to prepare congestion mitigation plans that include funding for projects to reduce vehicle miles traveled during peak commuting hours along impacted corridors.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan to expand and promote employer-based commuter programs; and (2) report to Congress recommendations on how to better integrate such programs into disaster emergency planning, preparedness, and response activities.

commute act requires metropolitan planning organization mpo transportation plans include things employer transportation management organization outreach activities strategies help create expand employer based commuter programs defines employer based commuter program mean program implemented employers provide employees alternatives driving work vehicle occupied single individual requires mpo establish employer advisory council consisting representatives employers transportation management area requires council develop maintain commuter trip reduction plan identifies area goals reduction vehicle miles traveled peak commuting hours requires mpo transportation improvement programs include things list projects identified commuter trip reduction plan help achieve reduction goals authorizes secretary transportation grant national nonprofit organization entity engaged efforts relating employer based commuter programs establish operate information clearinghouse employer investment transportation employer based commuter programs requires recipients federal assistance construction federal aid highway projects million reduce traffic flow days prepare congestion mitigation plans include funding projects reduce vehicle miles traveled peak commuting hours impacted corridors requires secretary develop implement plan expand promote employer based commuter programs report congress recommendations better integrate programs disaster emergency planning preparedness response activities


Summary:
Commuter Parity Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the exclusion from gross income, for income tax purposes, of certain transportation benefits provided by an employer to an employee, including cash reimbursements for such benefits, to allow a monthly exclusion amount of: (1) $235 for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle from home to work and any transit pass, (2) $235 for qualified parking, and (3) $35 for qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement. Allows an annual cost-of-living adjustment to such exclusion amounts after 2016.

commuter parity act amends internal revenue code modify exclusion gross income income tax purposes certain transportation benefits provided employer employee including cash reimbursements benefits allow monthly exclusion transportation commuter highway vehicle home work transit pass qualified parking qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement allows annual cost living adjustment exclusion amounts


Summary:
Transit Tax Parity Act of 2015

This bill makes the tax exclusion for employer-provided mass transit benefits equal to the amount of the exclusion for parking benefits (i.e., $175) and makes such exclusion permanent.

transit tax parity act bill makes tax exclusion employer provided mass transit benefits equal exclusion parking benefits makes exclusion permanent


Summary:
Highway Restoration Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a phaseout of the Mass Transit Account by the end of FY2020, after which no funds would be transferred to such Account from the Highway Trust Fund.

highway restoration act bill amends internal_revenue_code provide phaseout mass transit account end fy2020 funds transferred account highway_trust_fund


Summary:
Safe Streets Act of 2015

 Requires each state to have in effect within two years a law, or each state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) an explicit policy statement, that requires all federally-funded transportation projects, with certain exceptions, to accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with certain complete streets principles.

Defines "complete streets principles" as federal, state, local, or regional level transportation laws, policies, or principles which ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, freight vehicles, and individuals with disabilities, are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development.

Allows such law or policy to make project-specific exemptions from such principles only if: (1) affected roadways prohibit specified users by law from using them, the cost of a compliance project would be excessively disproportionate to the need, or the population, employment densities, traffic volumes, or level of transit service around a roadway is so low that the expected roadway users will not include pedestrians, public transportation, freight vehicles, or bicyclists; and (2) all such exemptions are properly approved.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a method for evaluating compliance by state departments of transportation and MPOs with complete streets principles.

Requires the Access Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities for public rights-of-way.

Requires the Secretary to conduct research regarding complete streets to: (1) assist states, MPOs, and local jurisdictions in developing and implementing complete streets-compliant plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training programs; and (2) establish benchmarks for, and provide technical guidance on, implementing complete streets policies and principles.

safe streets act requires state effect years law state department transportation metropolitan planning organization mpo explicit policy statement requires federally funded transportation projects certain exceptions accommodate safety convenience users accordance certain complete streets principles defines complete streets principles federal state local regional level transportation laws policies principles ensure safety convenience users transportation system including pedestrians public transit users children older individuals freight vehicles individuals disabilities accommodated phases project planning development allows law policy project specific exemptions principles affected prohibit specified users law cost compliance project excessively disproportionate need population employment traffic volumes level transit service roadway low expected roadway users include pedestrians public transportation freight vehicles exemptions properly approved requires secretary transportation establish method evaluating compliance state departments transportation mpos complete streets principles requires issue final standards accessibility new construction alterations pedestrian facilities public rights way requires secretary conduct research complete streets assist states mpos local jurisdictions developing implementing complete streets compliant plans projects procedures policies training programs establish benchmarks provide technical guidance implementing complete streets policies principles


Summary:
Right-of-Way for American Drivers Act of 2015

This bill repeals the transportation alternatives program. That program funds such projects as those for pedestrians and bicyclists, non-driver and disabled access to safe transportation, recreational trails and areas, land use in rights-of-way, and environmental mitigation (including protection of wildlife).

right way american drivers act bill repeals transportation alternatives program program funds projects pedestrians non driver disabled access safe transportation recreational trails areas land use rights way environmental mitigation including protection wildlife


Summary:
This bill authorizes FY2016-FY2021 appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the University Transportation Centers Program and requires the Federal Highway Administration to administer the program.

The program provides grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education to establish and operate university transportation centers to advance transportation expertise and technology, provide a transportation knowledge base outside of the Department of Transportation, address critical workforce needs, and educate the next generation of transportation leaders.

bill authorizes fy2016 fy2021 appropriations highway_trust_fund mass transit account requires federal_highway_administration administer program program provides grants nonprofit institutions higher education establish operate university transportation centers advance transportation expertise technology provide transportation knowledge base outside department_of_transportation address critical workforce needs educate generation transportation leaders


Summary:
Coordinating Transportation Services for Transportation Disadvantaged Individuals Act of 2015

This bill establishes in the Department of Transportation (DOT) the New Interagency Transportation Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility to coordinate transportation services to transportation-disadvantaged individuals (those who require the use of public transportation but have difficulty accessing it due to disability, income level, age, or veteran status) in a manner that is cost effective and efficient and that minimizes the fragmentation and duplication of such services.

The Council shall:

 develop a strategic plan that identifies federal agency roles and responsibilities and measurable outcomes in coordinating such services; develop a joint cost-sharing policy among federal agencies with representatives on the Council that provides clear guidance to state and local governments regarding cost allocation; maintain an inventory of all federal programs that provide such services; and partner with State Transport Coordinating Commissions (STCCs) and aid them in coordinating such services. A state must establish an STCC to coordinate transportation for transportation-disadvantaged individuals. An STCC shall:

 compile information on transportation operations for and needs of such individuals; establish statewide objectives for coordinating transportation services for such individuals; develop written policies and procedures for the coordination of government funding for such individuals; identify and pursue the elimination of barriers to transportation services; establish an information clearinghouse; assist communities in developing transportation systems designed to serve such individuals; verify that purchasing procedures aid the coordination of such services; verify that purchasing agencies purchase all trips within transportation systems that serve such individuals, unless they use more cost-effective alternative providers; and develop a strategic plan that addresses the transportation problems and needs of such individuals over a five-year period. DOT must withhold 1% of the amount required to be apportioned to a state under specified federal-aid highway programs on the first day of each fiscal year beginning with FY2017 if the state does not meet this bill's requirements.

Each federal agency shall keep an accounting of expenditures directly related to services for transportation-disadvantaged individuals. No federal agency may make capital investments for the purpose of providing the services.

The bill terminates the Interagency Transportation Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility.

coordinating transportation services transportation disadvantaged individuals act bill establishes department_of_transportation dot mobility coordinate transportation services transportation disadvantaged individuals require use public transportation difficulty accessing disability income level age veteran status manner cost effective efficient minimizes fragmentation duplication services council shall develop strategic plan identifies federal agency roles responsibilities measurable outcomes coordinating services develop joint cost sharing policy federal agencies representatives council provides clear guidance state local governments cost allocation maintain inventory federal programs provide services partner aid coordinating services state establish coordinate transportation transportation disadvantaged individuals shall compile information transportation operations needs individuals establish statewide objectives coordinating transportation services individuals develop written policies procedures coordination government funding individuals identify pursue elimination barriers transportation services establish information clearinghouse assist communities developing transportation systems designed serve individuals verify purchasing procedures aid coordination services verify purchasing agencies purchase trips transportation systems serve individuals use cost effective alternative providers develop strategic plan addresses transportation problems needs individuals year period dot withhold required apportioned state specified federal aid highway programs day fiscal year beginning fy2017 state meet bill requirements federal agency shall accounting expenditures directly related services transportation disadvantaged individuals federal agency capital investments purpose providing services bill terminates


Summary:
Bike to Work Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a bicycle sharing system as a mass transit facility for purposes of the tax exclusion of employer-paid commuting expenses. The bill defines "bicycle sharing system" as a public transportation system: (1) consisting of a network of stations at which bicycles are made available to customers for commuting and short-term, point-to-point use within the network's service area; and (2) that is operated or authorized by a government agency or public-private partnership.

work act bill amends internal_revenue_code include bicycle sharing system mass transit facility purposes tax exclusion employer paid commuting expenses bill defines bicycle sharing system public transportation system consisting network stations bicycles available customers commuting short term point point use network service area operated authorized government agency public private partnership


Summary:
Bikeshare Transit Act of 2016

This bill makes a bikeshare project eligible to be an associated transit improvement project, including one carried out to facilitate a bicycle rental operation that makes bicycles available for public transportation, allows riders to pick up and drop off bicycles, serves a defined geographic area, and facilitates the transit of individuals between various points in the area.

Public transportation capital projects shall include any project for the acquisition or replacement of bicycles and related equipment, including technology and vehicles needed to restock stations, and the construction of bicycle-related facilities to facilitate a bikeshare project.

The bill also makes eligible for funds under the congestion mitigation air quality improvement program projects or programs that reduce demand for roads through bikesharing.

transit act bill makes project eligible associated transit improvement project including carried facilitate bicycle rental operation makes bicycles available public transportation allows riders pick drop bicycles serves defined geographic area facilitates transit individuals points area public transportation capital projects shall include project acquisition replacement bicycles related equipment including technology vehicles needed stations construction bicycle related facilities facilitate project bill makes eligible funds congestion mitigation air quality improvement program projects programs reduce demand roads


Summary:
Commuter Access Reform Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat transportation provided by an employer's qualified alternative commuter program as a qualified transportation fringe benefit that is excluded from an employee's gross income.

A "qualified alternative commuter program" reimburses an employee for the cost of certain ride-share commuting transportation between the employee's residence, place of employment, or a mass transit facility.

The benefit applies to ride-sharing commuting transportation in a commuter vehicle provided by a transportation network company if: (1) it is designed to provide service to multiple passengers with fully or partially overlapping journeys, and (2) the fare for each passenger is determined at the beginning of the trip and is based on the transportation having multiple riders.

The benefit is subject to a limit on the aggregate amount of transportation fringe benefits for parking and an alternative commuter program that may be excluded from gross income.

commuter access reform act bill amends internal_revenue_code treat transportation provided employer qualified alternative commuter program qualified transportation fringe benefit excluded employee gross income qualified alternative commuter program reimburses employee cost certain ride share commuting transportation employee residence place employment mass transit facility benefit applies ride sharing commuting transportation commuter vehicle provided transportation network company designed provide service multiple passengers fully partially overlapping fare passenger determined beginning trip based transportation having multiple riders benefit subject limit aggregate transportation fringe benefits parking alternative commuter program excluded gross income


Summary:
This bill permits the federal share requirements applicable to the transportation alternatives program (TAP) to be met based on: (1) an individual project or activity, or (2) a program of projects or activities.

In the allocation of funds for transportation alternatives, 66.67% (increased from 50%) of reserved funds per fiscal year shall be obligated to any eligible entity in proportion to its relative shares of the state population in: (1) urbanized areas with a population of over 200,000, (2) non-urban areas with a population greater than 5,000, and (3) other areas of the state.

Certain not-for-profit entities and metropolitan planning organizations are now eligible to be TAP project sponsors.

 A state's authority to opt out of the recreational trails program is repealed.

Each state or metropolitan planning organization responsible for carrying out TAP requirements must report annually to the Department of Transportation on the the number of TAP project applications received and the number of projects selected for funding.

bill permits federal share requirements applicable transportation alternatives program tap met based individual project activity program projects activities allocation funds transportation alternatives increased reserved funds fiscal year shall obligated eligible entity proportion relative shares state population urbanized areas population non urban areas population greater areas state certain profit entities metropolitan planning organizations eligible tap project sponsors state authority opt recreational trails program repealed state metropolitan planning organization responsible carrying tap requirements report annually department_of_transportation number tap project applications received number projects selected funding


Summary:
Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Financing Act

 Amends the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to make eligible for TIFIA funding any projects to improve or construct public infrastructure located within walking distance of and accessible to a fixed guideway transit facility, passenger rail station, intercity bus station, or intermodal facility, including transportation, public utility, and certain capital projects, and related infrastructure that promote transit ridership, walkability, or increased private investment.

financing act amends innovation_act tifia eligible tifia funding projects improve construct public infrastructure located walking distance accessible fixed guideway transit facility passenger rail station intercity bus station intermodal facility including transportation public utility certain capital projects related infrastructure promote transit ridership increased private investment


Summary: Save Our Children: Stop the Violent Predators Against Children DNA Act of 2007 - Directs the Attorney General to establish and maintain a database solely for collecting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) information with respect to violent predators against children. Authorizes federal, state, and local agencies and other entities to submit DNA information for the database and to compare DNA information within the database. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to states to improve programs to decrease recidivism of such predators.Requires the maximum sentence to be imposed for a crime of violence, including a sex crime, against an individual under age 18 that would, in and of itself, establish the offender as such a predator, without regard to any mitigating circumstance that would otherwise apply.

save children stop violent predators children dna act directs attorney general establish maintain database solely collecting dna deoxyribonucleic acid information respect violent predators children authorizes federal state local agencies entities submit dna information database compare dna information database directs attorney general grants states improve programs decrease recidivism predators requires maximum sentence imposed crime violence including sex crime individual age establish offender predator regard mitigating circumstance apply


Summary: Securing Adolescents From Exploitation-Online Act of 2007 or the SAFE Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to expand the reporting requirements of electronic communication and remote computing service providers with respect to violations of child sexual exploitation and pornography laws. Requires such service providers, in reporting violations of such laws to the CyberTipline of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to provide: (1) information on the Internet identity of a suspected sex offender, including the electronic mail address, website address, uniform resource locator, or other identifying information; (2) the time child pornography was uploaded or discovered; (3) geographic location information for the offender; and (4) images of such child pornography. Requires the Center to forward each report which it receives from a service provider to a designated law enforcement agency. Requires service providers to preserve images of child pornography for evidentiary purposes. Grants service providers and the Center immunity from civil claims or criminal charges for complying the requirements of this Act, except for certain intentional or reckless misconduct. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative, the Attorney General, and other relevant federal officials to encourage foreign governments to combat child sexual exploitation and pornography. Authorizes appropriations for grants to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Authorizes courts to order monitoring of Internet use by a convicted sex offender as a condition for such offender's supervised release. Imposes enhanced criminal penalties for use of the Internet to violate child pornography or sexual exploitation laws. Requires the Attorney General to make publicly available reports on investigations and prosecutions of child sexual exploitation crimes.

securing adolescents exploitation online act safe act amends federal criminal code expand reporting requirements electronic communication remote computing service providers respect violations child sexual exploitation pornography laws requires service providers reporting violations laws national_center_for_missing exploited_children provide information internet identity suspected sex offender including electronic mail address website address uniform resource locator identifying information time child pornography discovered geographic location information offender images child pornography requires center forward report receives service provider designated law enforcement agency requires service providers preserve images child pornography evidentiary purposes grants service providers center immunity civil claims criminal charges complying requirements act certain intentional reckless misconduct requires attorney general relevant federal officials encourage foreign governments combat child sexual exploitation pornography authorizes appropriations grants authorizes courts order monitoring internet use convicted sex offender condition offender supervised release imposes enhanced criminal penalties use internet violate child pornography sexual exploitation laws requires attorney general publicly available reports investigations prosecutions child sexual exploitation crimes


Summary: Family Abduction Prevention Act of 2007 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to states for projects involving: (1) the extradition of individuals suspected of committing a family abduction; (2) investigation by law enforcement agencies of family abduction cases; (3) training for law enforcement agencies in responding to family abductions and recovering abducted children; (4) outreach and media campaigns to educate parents on the dangers of family abductions; and (5) notifying law enforcement authorities of the name and address of anyone requesting the school records of an abducted child. Requires that not less than 50 percent of the cost of a project for which a grant is made be provided by non-federal sources.

family abduction prevention act directs attorney general grants states projects involving extradition individuals suspected committing family abduction investigation law enforcement agencies family abduction cases training law enforcement agencies responding family abductions recovering abducted children outreach media campaigns educate parents dangers family abductions notifying law enforcement authorities address requesting school records abducted child requires percent cost project grant provided non federal sources


Summary: Safe Babies Act of 2007 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to require the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to award a grant to a national early childhood development organization to establish a National Court Teams Resource Center to: (1) promote the well-being of maltreated infants and toddlers and their families; (2) help prevent the recurrence of abuse and neglect of children; (3) promote timely reunification of families or other successful permanency outcomes for maltreated infants and toddlers in foster care; and (4) select, and provide assistance to, local Court Teams created to achieve those goals.Sets forth organization selection criteria and application requirements, including assurance that at least one qualified judge will serve as Judicial Leader of each Court Team receiving assistance.Requires the Center to: (1) develop materials to guide judges in the decision-making process regarding, and to train Court Teams in the appropriate care for, maltreated infants and toddlers; (2) develop a database to track the progress of and to evaluate such Teams; and (3) provide information to communities and courts seeking to adopt the Court Teams approach. Requires Center assistance to each Team to include: (1) direction, coordination, oversight, training, and technical assistance; and (2) providing a Local Community Coordinator to serve as a resource of child development expertise.

safe babies act amends juvenile justice delinquency prevention act require administrator office_of_juvenile_justice delinquency prevention award grant national early childhood development organization establish promote infants toddlers families help prevent recurrence abuse neglect children promote timely reunification families successful permanency outcomes infants toddlers foster care select provide assistance local created achieve goals sets forth organization selection criteria application requirements including assurance qualified judge serve judicial leader receiving assistance requires center develop materials guide judges decision making process train court teams appropriate care infants toddlers develop database track progress evaluate teams provide information communities courts seeking adopt court teams approach requires center assistance team include direction coordination oversight training technical assistance providing local community coordinator serve resource child development expertise


Summary: Preventing the Endangerment of Children on Recreational Lands by Sexual Violators Act - Prohibits an individual convicted of a sexual offense involving a minor from serving in the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture.Provides that this Act does not require the separation of any employee or contractor whose service began before enactment of this Act.

preventing endangerment children recreational lands sexual violators act prohibits individual convicted sexual offense involving minor serving department_of_the_interior_or_the_department_of_agriculture provides act require separation employee contractor service began enactment act


Summary: Protecting Our Children Comes First Act of 2007 - Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to: (1) revise, and expand the required uses for, the annual grant made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; (2) reauthorize the missing children's assistance and the NCMEC grant programs through FY2013; and (3) repeal criteria for grants. Specifies additional mandatory uses of grants to NCMEC, including provision of: (1) annual reports to the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention on the numbers of children nationwide reported as missing, victims of non-family abductions, and victims of parental kidnappings, as well as those recovered; (2) analytical as well as onsite support and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies through searching public records databases in locating and recovering missing and exploited children and helping to locate and identify abductors; (3) forensic technical assistance and consultation to law enforcement and other agencies in the identification of unidentified deceased children; and (4) training and assistance to law enforcement agencies in identifying and locating non-compliant sex offenders.Requires the use of grants also to facilitate the deployment of the National Emergency Child Locator Center to assist in reuniting missing children with their families during periods of national disasters.Adds to the kinds of reports for which the cyber tipline shall be used.Requires NCMEC to use grant funds to: (1) work with law enforcement, Internet service providers, electronic payment service providers, and others on methods to reduce the distribution on the Internet of images and videos of sexually exploited children; (2) operate a child victim identification program to assist the efforts of law enforcement agencies in identifying victims of child pornography and other sexual crimes; and (3) develop and disseminate programs and information to the general public, schools, and other public officials and organizations on the prevention of child abduction and sexual exploitation, and Internet safety.

protecting children comes act amends missing children assistance act revise expand required uses annual grant national_center_for_missing exploited_children ncmec office_of_juvenile_justice delinquency_prevention reauthorize missing children assistance ncmec grant programs fy2013 repeal criteria grants specifies additional mandatory uses grants ncmec including provision annual reports department_of_justice office_of_juvenile_justice delinquency prevention numbers children nationwide reported missing victims non family abductions victims parental recovered analytical onsite support technical assistance law enforcement agencies searching public records databases locating recovering missing exploited children helping locate identify forensic technical assistance consultation law enforcement agencies identification unidentified deceased children training assistance law enforcement agencies identifying locating non compliant sex offenders requires use grants facilitate deployment assist reuniting missing children families periods national disasters adds kinds reports cyber tipline shall use grant funds work law enforcement internet service providers electronic payment service providers methods reduce distribution internet images videos sexually exploited children operate child victim identification program assist efforts law enforcement agencies identifying victims child pornography sexual crimes develop disseminate programs information general public schools public officials organizations prevention child abduction sexual exploitation internet safety


Summary: Bring Our Children Home Act - Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to expand the definition of "missing child."Requires the Attorney General to provide state and local law enforcement agencies with information for locating a child from a foreign country who has been abducted and is believed to be in the United States. Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to require state missing children reports to include a statement specifying whether a missing child is believed to have been taken outside of the United States. Amends the International Child Abduction Remedies Act to provide funding for legal and technical assistance and training relating to international child abduction. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the efforts of foreign countries to prohibit international child abduction.Requires the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the cooperation of domestic and foreign airlines with the investigation of international child abduction cases.Authorizes additional funds for the investigation and prosecution of international parental kidnapping and for the extradition of individuals from foreign countries to the United States for violations of child abduction laws.Establishes a grant program to reimburse travel costs related to the return of abducted children to the United States.

bring children home act amends missing children assistance act expand definition missing child attorney general provide state local law enforcement agencies information locating child foreign country abducted believed united_states amends crime_control_act require state missing children reports include statement specifying missing child believed taken outside united_states amends provide funding legal technical assistance training relating international child abduction amends foreign assistance act require secretary state report congress efforts foreign countries prohibit international child abduction requires secretary transportation study report congress cooperation domestic foreign airlines investigation international child abduction cases authorizes additional funds investigation prosecution international parental kidnapping extradition individuals foreign countries united_states violations child abduction laws establishes grant program reimburse travel costs related return abducted children united_states