Government bodies are creating new laws and drafting new plans that impact mobility innovation and transit agencies.
Georgia House Passes $0.50 Tax on Ride Hailing to Fund Public Transportation
March 2020
Georgia
A new fee approved by the Georgia House of Representatives would assign a $0.50 tax on Lyft, Uber, limousine, and taxi rides and a $0.25 tax on shared rides. It is estimated that this new fee will bring up to $40 million of dedicated funding for public transit in the state.
The Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act
February 2020
US
Representatives have introduced a bill that would provide $500 million for a federal grant program to enhance trails, sidewalks, and bikeways. This act will connect existing infrastructure, expand active transportation options, mitigate climate impact, promote safer walking and biking infrastructure, and more.
Sustainability Fee for 3rd Vehicles introduced in Memphis, TN
September 2019
Memphis, TN
The mayor of Shelby County, Tennessee, has introduced an annual user sustainability fee for residents who possess three or more vehicles. The proposed sustainability fee for third vehicles will generate at least $10 million in new funding for Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). The plan implements a fee of $145 for third vehicles and beyond. This fee would result in more funding for transit improvements, an improvement in air quality, more equitable use of the public way, and an improvement in transit frequency, allowing for more residents to have more reliable transit service.
Complete Streets Act of 2019
July 2019
US
Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the Complete Streets Act, legislation that would promote safer and more accessible transportation routes across the United States. The Complete Streets Act would require states set aside a portion of their federal highway funding to create a grant program that will fund “complete streets” projects to make transit routes safer and more accessible. Through this program, eligible local and regional entities can apply for technical assistance and capital funding to build safe streets projects, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops.
Congressional Bike Caucus Leaders Introduce Bill to Fund Bikeshare Transit Nationwide
July 2019
US
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL), co-chairs of the Congressional Bike Caucus, introduced the Bikeshare Transit Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation that supports local bikeshare programs by helping communities across the country access federal funds for bikeshare facilities and equipment.
