Transit agencies can now use federal money for private charter buses without asking permission

The Federal Transit Administration has removed a list of rules that limited how transit agencies could use federal money for charter services. This means local transit agencies no longer need special permission to use private buses for things like school trips or special events.

For years, federal rules made it difficult for public transit agencies to use their buses for anything other than scheduled routes. If a school wanted to charter a bus, or a community group needed transport for an event, agencies often had to jump through hoops or turn them down. This change makes it easier for agencies to generate extra revenue and serve their communities in new ways, potentially making public transit more financially stable.