Rep. Cartwright Introduces Legislation to Streamline Transit Procurement Process following Release of GAO Report

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced the Transit Bus Procurement Act following the recommendations of a recently released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report requested by Rep. Cartwright.  

Buses carry more passengers than commuter rail, light rail, and ferries combined, while serving a critical role in providing paratransit services for people with disabilities. 

To meet demand, transit agencies purchase buses to either replace their existing fleet or expand service; in 2013, transit agencies used more than $1 billion of federal funding to purchase buses.

The majority of the 5,000 buses purchased annually are bought by transit agencies large enough to have dedicated procurement specialists who understand the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) cumbersome acquisition process.  Yet, rural, small, and medium size transit agencies — which account for about 95 percent of all transit agencies — tend to struggle to work through all of the steps required to procur buses with FTA funds.

“Outdated instructions and confusing procedures not only hinder the timeliness of purchases but often result in additional, unnecessary expenses,” Rep. Cartwright said.  “Additionally the small purchasing power of these agencies generates fewer bids, driving up their expenses.”

The General Services Administration (GSA) currently assists federal agencies and other authorized entities with streamlined ways of making bus purchases from commercial providers at greatly reduced prices—on average 17% below the invoice price. 

“Unfortunately, transit agencies are not among eligible entities, making them unable to take advantage of the reduced cost and streamlined purchasing procedures,” Rep. Cartwright said.

Following the recommendations of GAO report which Congressman Cartwright requested, the Transit Bus Procurement Act would direct GSA to provide a source of supply for small and medium size transit agencies to purchase buses.  This simple change will reduce the regulatory burden on small, medium, and rural sized transit agencies, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective way to procure transit buses while complying with federal procurement regulations.  It also reduces administrative costs for bus manufactures who will now be able to streamline sales via GSA.

In a letter sent to Rep. Cartwright, Owen P. O'Neil, the Executive Director of the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority endorsed the legislation, “…everyone is very appreciative of the Congressman’s interest and efforts to assist public transit, especially bus only systems, and his interest in streamlining procurement.”

Other supporting organizations include: Community Transportation Association, Bus Coalition, Amalgamated Transit Union, Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority, and the Center for Community