Senators unveil transportation reauthorization bill framework
The legislation, “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, MAP-21,” funds programs at current levels and accommodates for inflation, providing $339.2 billion over six years and averaging $56.5 billion annually. Highlights include eliminating earmarks, consolidating programs, expediting project delivery and expanding the Transportation Innovation and Finance Act program.
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Ranking Member James Inhofe (R-OK), Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT), and Subcommittee Ranking Member David Vitter (R-LA) announced a framework for a six-year bill to reauthorize federal surface transportation programs. They are calling their legislation “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, MAP-21.”
The framework funds programs at current levels and accommodates for inflation, providing $339.2 billion over six years and averaging $56.5 billion annually. Highlights include: eliminating earmarks, consolidating programs, expediting project delivery and expanding the Transportation Innovation and Finance Act (TIFIA) program, which provides federal credit assistance for projects.
Although the framework represents a six-year bill, Sen. Boxer has not ruled out a two-year measure to maintain current funding. Revenues to the Highway Trust Fund have not kept up with disbursements.
Sen. Boxer intends to finish the bill over the next couple weeks and bring it up for Committee action before the July 4 Recess. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica, who is currently drafting the House bill, announced that he will unveil his proposal July 7 and hold a Committee markup July 12.
The Obama Administration has not released an official reauthorization proposal but as part of its fiscal year 2012 budget request earlier this year outlined a blueprint for a six-year, $556 billion bill. The plan did not identify revenue sources.
SAFETEA-LU expired September 2009. A seventh temporary extension of federal surface transportation programs expires September 30, 2011.
More Bus

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters
The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference
The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan
Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.
Read More →A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign
The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.
Read More →