FTA proposes reconstruction of charter bus rules

The FTA released a 55-page “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” that recommends a major reconstruction of the regulations prohibiting public transit agencies from providing charter bus services. Much of the new provisions were developed in monthly meetings of the Charter Bus Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee, which took place between May and December 2006. Picking up where that committee left off, the FTA and its attorneys drafted proposed regulations that will make the process more transparent; streamline the complaint, hearing and appeals process; and give the FTA the discretion to determine the best solution when the rules are violated. The proposal signals the end of a long process to determine a new set of rules that will hopefully put an end to the frequent disputes between public transit agencies and private bus operators. Comments on the proposal can be submitted to the FTA until April 16. To view the entire document, visit http://www.fta.dot.gov/regional_offices_federal_register.html, under the “Charter Service Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” heading.