Summary: National Metro Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding certain prohibitions, to: (1) develop, implement, and enforce national safety standards for transit agencies operating heavy rail on fixed guideways; and (2) require such standards to include National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding crashworthiness, emergency access and egress, event recorders, and hours of service.

national metro safety act_-_directs secretary transportation notwithstanding certain prohibitions develop implement enforce national safety standards transit agencies operating heavy rail fixed require standards include national_transportation_safety_board ntsb recommendations federal_transit_administration fta emergency access egress event recorders hours service


Summary: Commute LESS Act of 2009 or the Commute-Leveraging Employer Support and Successes Act of 2009 - Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to revise the composition of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to include at least one representative designated by an employer advisory council established by this Act. Revises contents of MPO transportation plans prepared for metropolitan planning areas to include proposed activities and strategies to provide outreach to employers in the region to create and expand alternative commuting and commuter benefit programs (i.e. carpools, transit benefit, and telework programs). Requires each MPO to establish an employer advisory council consisting of representatives of employers within the MPO's boundaries. Requires an MPO transportation improvement program (TIP) to be developed in coordination with the advisory council and to include projects identified by it. Requires the advisory council to: (1) review how long-range transportation plans and TIPs will affect commuting habits; and (2) develop a commuter trip reduction plan. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to create and expand employer investment in transportation and commuter benefit programs. Requires a state receiving funding, in coordination with MPOs, to establish statewide goals for achieving reductions in vehicle miles traveled. Requires a recipient receiving federal-aid highway funding for a project with a value of $100 million or more or that will reduce traffic flow for more than 120 days to prepare, in coordination with the advisory council, a congestion mitigation plan for the project that includes funding for projects that reduce peak hour vehicle miles traveled along an impacted corridor. Requires the Secretary, when approving a major capital investment grant of $75 million or more for a major new fixed guideway capital project, to consider, among other things, the ability of the grant recipient to work with employers to get commuters to utilize the project. Directs the Secretary to require the grant applicant to include in its request a plan on how it intends to work with local employers and transportation management organizations to create and expand a commuter benefit program for the project.

commute act commute leveraging employer support successes act amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea revise composition metropolitan planning organizations mpos include representative designated employer advisory_council established act revises contents mpo transportation plans prepared metropolitan planning areas include proposed activities strategies provide outreach employers region create expand alternative commuting commuter benefit programs transit benefit telework programs requires mpo establish employer advisory_council consisting representatives employers mpo boundaries requires mpo transportation improvement program tip developed coordination advisory_council include projects identified requires advisory_council review long range transportation plans tips affect commuting habits develop commuter trip reduction plan directs secretary transportation create expand employer investment transportation commuter benefit programs requires state receiving funding coordination mpos establish statewide goals achieving reductions vehicle miles traveled requires recipient receiving federal aid highway funding project value million reduce traffic flow days prepare coordination advisory_council congestion mitigation plan project includes funding projects reduce peak hour vehicle miles traveled impacted corridor requires secretary approving major capital investment grant million major new fixed guideway capital project consider things ability grant recipient work employers commuters utilize project directs secretary require grant applicant include request plan intends work local employers transportation management organizations create expand commuter benefit program project


Summary: Transportation Equity Act of 2009 - Addresses certain Federal Transit Administration (FTA) adjustments that require a "medium" for the cost-effectiveness rating used to evaluate fixed guideway projects for recommendation for Federal New Starts funding. Prohibits such adjustments from applying to new fixed guideway capital projects evaluated for: (1) major capital investment grants of $75 million or more; or (2) capital investment grants of less than $75 million, where the total estimated net capital project cost is less than $250 million.

transportation equity act addresses certain federal_transit_administration fta adjustments require medium cost effectiveness rating evaluate fixed guideway projects recommendation federal new starts funding prohibits adjustments applying new fixed guideway capital projects evaluated major capital investment grants million capital investment grants million total estimated net capital project cost million


Summary: Surface Transportation Savings Act of 2010 - Rescinds specified amounts authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for: (1) safety belt performance grants; (2) administrative expenses of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); (3) the National Driver Register; (4) NHTSA operations and research; and (5) transit formula and bus grants.

surface_transportation savings act rescinds specified amounts authorized safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea safety belt performance grants administrative expenses national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa national_driver_register nhtsa operations research transit formula bus grants


Summary: Surface Transportation Earmark Rescission, Savings, and Accountability Act - Rescinds certain unobligated amounts allocated under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) for: (1) high cost bridge projects; (2) congestion relief projects; (3) high priority corridor segments on the National Highway System; (4) rural and urban access projects and urban mobility projects; (5) innovative projects; and (6) priority intermodal transportation projects. Rescinds certain unobligated amounts allocated under the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 (STURAA) for federal-aid system demonstration projects. Rescinds unobligated amounts under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) for certain high priority projects in which less than 10% of the amount authorized for such projects has been obligated. Repeals the designation of a specified segment of U.S. Route 322 as an addition to Corridor O in Pennsylvania on the Appalachian development highway system. Rescinds a specified amount of unallocated funds authorized for FY2005-FY2009 under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for the high priority projects program. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to report to Congress on each authorized project in the following categories that has inactive funds or that has been completed in the previous fiscal year: (1) each high priority project authorization under TEA-21; (2) each project of national and regional significance, highway construction project in a corridor of national significance, high priority project authorization, and transportation improvement project under SAFETEA-LU; and (3) specified bridge program set-aside projects. Requires such report also to specify for each project the amount of funds authorized, any unobligated balance of funds, and a reference to its public law and section and project number.

surface_transportation earmark rescission savings accountability_act rescinds certain unobligated amounts allocated intermodal surface_transportation efficiency_act high cost bridge projects congestion relief projects high priority corridor segments national highway system rural urban access projects urban mobility projects innovative projects priority intermodal transportation projects rescinds certain unobligated amounts allocated surface_transportation uniform relocation assistance_act federal aid system demonstration projects rescinds unobligated amounts transportation equity act 21st century certain high priority projects authorized projects obligated repeals designation specified segment route addition corridor pennsylvania appalachian development highway system rescinds specified unallocated funds authorized fy2009 safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea high priority projects program requires secretary transportation dot report congress authorized project following categories inactive funds completed previous fiscal year high priority project authorization project national regional significance highway construction project corridor national significance high priority project authorization transportation improvement project safetea specified bridge program set aside projects requires report specify project funds authorized unobligated balance funds reference public law section project number


Summary: Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance to Help Transportation Act of 2010 - Declares U.S. policy with respect to freight transportation. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Freight Planning and Development. Directs the Secretary to develop a long-term National Freight Freight Transportation Strategic Plan to guide planning and investments in the national transportation system to move freight. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop new or improve existing tools to support an outcome-oriented, performance-based approach to evaluate proposed freight-related and other transportation projects; (2) facilitate the collection of transportation-related data to support a broad range of evaluation methods and techniques to assist in making transportation investment decisions; and (3) consider improvements to the Commodity Flow Survey that reduce identified freight data gaps and deficiencies and help evaluate forecasts of transportation demand. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for capital investment projects that improve the efficiency of the national transportation system to move freight; and (2) give priority to projects with the highest system performance improvement relative to their benefit-cost analysis. Limits the federal share of project net capital costs at 80%. Requires a grant recipient to submit to the Secretary: (1) a project management plan and an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $500 million or more; and (2) an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $100 million or more. Repeals specified prohibitions against the transfer of amounts from the Highway Trust Fund to the Port Infrastructure Development Fund.

focusing resources economic investment guidance help transportation act declares policy respect freight transportation establishes office_of_the_secretary transportation dot office freight planning development directs secretary develop long term national freight freight transportation strategic plan guide planning investments national transportation system freight directs secretary develop new improve existing tools support outcome oriented performance based approach evaluate proposed freight related transportation projects facilitate collection transportation related data support broad range evaluation methods techniques assist making transportation investment decisions consider improvements commodity flow survey reduce identified freight data gaps deficiencies help evaluate forecasts transportation demand directs secretary establish competitive grant program capital investment projects improve efficiency national transportation system freight priority projects highest system performance improvement relative benefit cost analysis limits federal share project net capital costs requires grant recipient submit secretary project management plan annual financial plan project total cost million annual financial plan project total cost million repeals specified prohibitions transfer amounts highway_trust_fund port infrastructure development fund


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to waive, through FY2009, any requirement that would otherwise require a state or local government to contribute non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFTETEA-LU) or an amendment made by that Act. Declares, however, that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state or local government from contributing non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity.

directs secretary transportation waive fy2009 requirement require state local government contribute non federal funds cost covered transportation program activity authorized safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users amendment act declares act shall construed prohibit state local government contributing non federal funds cost covered transportation program activity


Summary: Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Title I: Administrative Provisions - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2014 for the Surface Transportation Board. (Sec. 102) Increases Board membership from three to five members. Repeals the one-year-only holdover limitation to a Board member's continued service after the member's term expires. (Sec. 103) Removes the Board from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish it as an independent U.S. agency. (Sec. 104) Prohibits the Board from requiring a party that brings a complaint before the Board to pay a filing fee greater than the $350 fee charged to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court. (Sec. 106) Grants the DOT Inspector General authority to review only Board financial management, property management, and business operations to determine compliance with applicable federal laws and detect fraud and abuse. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 107) Revises member composition of the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council. Title II: Authority Improvements - (Sec. 201) Revises the objectives of U.S. rail transportation policy, adding protection of rail shippers. (Sec. 202) Requires the Board to: (1) maintain an Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance; and (2) appoint a rail customer advocate to resolve rail customer complaints. Authorizes the Board to designate a Board employee to serve as an ombudsman in regional or local matters, including railroad service, mergers and acquisitions, or other matters. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Board to investigate rail carrier violations on its own initiative as well as on complaint (as under existing law). Requires that proceedings to determine the reasonableness of a rate charged by a carrier be initiated only upon complaint. (Sec. 204) Requires the Board to: (1) establish a database of rail service complaints it has received; and (2) post a quarterly report of such complaints on its website. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Board to revoke class exemptions to rail carrier requirements to protect rail shippers from the abuse of market power. Requires the Board to conclude a study of class exemptions to determine whether any of them should be revoked. (Sec. 206) Directs the Board to require Class I railroad carriers and other railroad carriers to report regularly on railroad service metrics and other performance data as prescribed by the Board. (Sec. 207) Requires Board studies on: (1) the Uniform Railroad Costing System; (2) use of a replacement cost approach to value rail facility assets; (3) rail practices, including switching, surcharges, penalties, demurrage, and accessorial charges; and (4) rail car interchange rules. (Sec. 211) Adds a new requirement to the exception to the Board's authority to abandon or discontinue a rail line. Allows the Board to authorize the abandonment or discontinuance of a rail line unless a financially responsible person: (1) offers financial assistance (as under existing law); and (2) establishes a reasonable likelihood of freight rail service, public transportation, or intercity rail passenger transportation over that part of the railroad line to be abandoned. Raises from 30 days to 60 days the deadline for the Board to render a decision in response to requests to establish the conditions and compensation for the subsidy or purchase of an abandoned or discontinued line. (Sec. 212) Authorizes the filing of an application with the Board by a rail carrier or a non-rail carrier relating to abandonment or discontinuance of all rail transportation service over any part of a railroad line. (Sec. 213) Authorizes the Board to extend emergency service orders in 90-day increments beyond the initial 30 days until there is a finding that the emergency has ended. (Sec. 214) Delineates requirements regarding proof and admissibility of evidence of rail carrier interline rate agreements. Title III: Regulatory Reform - (Sec. 301) Prohibits the Board from issuing a person (other than a rail carrier) a certificate to acquire a railroad line or extended or additional railroad line that includes interchange commitments or other mechanisms restricting the ability of the purchaser or tenant to interchange traffic with another carrier unless they are reasonable and in the public interest. Delineates a process for persons to challenge existing interchange commitments as well as certain rights and remedies with respect to them. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce the interest rates on direct loans provided to Class II or Class III rail carriers to purchase or lease a rail line. Authorizes FY2010-FY2014 appropriations to carry out such rate reductions. Directs the Secretary to make grants available to assist any Class III rail carrier under Board jurisdiction with the credit risk premium of a direct loan or loan guarantee made to purchase or lease a rail line. Authorizes FY2010-FY2014 appropriations to the Secretary for such grants. (Sec. 302) Requires a Class I rail carrier to establish, upon rail customer request, reasonable bottleneck and terminal switching rates for single line movement or interline movement rail transportation over a bottleneck rail segment in which the carrier has market dominance. (Sec. 303) Revises criteria authorizing the Board to require a rail carrier to make its terminal available to another rail carrier. Authorizes the Board to require a Class I rail carrier (including any other rail carrier deemed appropriate) to make its terminal facilities available for use by another carrier in cases where it has market dominance in a terminal area. (Sec. 304) Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Board to establish reasonable rail rate standards for terminal use. (Sec. 305) Requires the Board to establish a binding arbitration process to resolve rail rate, practice, and common carrier service disputes. (Sec. 306) Revises maximum rates of relief that the Board may provide to railroad shippers in certain rail rate reasonableness cases. Sets forth time limits for Board review of such cases. (Sec. 307) Authorizes the Board to consider the reasonableness of a rate quoted by a rail carrier up to one year before the date the rate is to take effect. (Sec. 308) Prescribes timelines for the Board to follow in stand-alone cost rate challenges, unless it extends them, after a request from any party or in the interest of due process. (Sec. 309) Directs the Board to initiate a study to provide further guidance on how it will apply its revenue adequacy constraint. (Sec. 310) Revises Board authority to impose conditions on the sale or lease of abandoned or discontinued rail properties for public use. Requires the Board to prohibit any disposal of such properties for a certain period unless they have first been offered, on reasonable terms, for sale for public purposes. (Sec. 312) Revises requirements with respect to the approval or denial of the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of rail carriers to authorize the Board to take into consideration significant effects of the transaction on public health, safety, and the environment as well as intercity rail passenger transportation and commuter rail passenger transportation. (Sec. 313) Limits to five years after the date of sale the requirement that a purchasing carrier proposing to sell or abandon all or part of a purchased railroad line offer the right of first refusal to the carrier which sold the line to the purchasing carrier in the first place. (Sec. 314) Directs the Comptroller General to review the regulatory changes made by this Act. Title IV: Technical Corrections - (Sec. 401) Makes certain technical corrections to the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. Allocates funds for FY2009 for establishment of the task force to develop a model plan for how passenger rail carriers can provide assistance and notification to families of passengers involved in rail accidents. Title V: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 501) Authorizes the Board to investigate pipeline carrier violations on its own initiative as well as on complaint (as under existing law). (Sec. 502) Exempts from Board authority pipeline transportation of natural or artificial gases used primarily as fuel or other energy purposes. Requires the Comptroller General to study the federal and state regulatory framework to support the development of carbon dioxide pipelines.

surface_transportation_board reauthorization act title administrative provisions sec authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2014 surface_transportation_board sec increases board membership members repeals year holdover limitation board member continued service member term expires sec removes board department_of_transportation dot establish independent agency sec prohibits board requiring party brings complaint board pay filing fee greater fee charged bring civil action district_court sec grants dot_inspector general authority review board financial management property management business operations determine compliance applicable federal laws detect fraud abuse authorizes appropriations sec revises member composition railroad shipper transportation advisory_council title authority improvements sec revises objectives rail transportation policy adding protection rail shippers sec requires board maintain office public assistance governmental_affairs compliance appoint rail customer advocate resolve rail customer complaints authorizes board designate board employee serve ombudsman regional local matters including railroad service mergers acquisitions matters sec authorizes board investigate rail carrier violations initiative complaint existing law requires proceedings determine reasonableness rate charged carrier initiated complaint sec requires board establish database rail service complaints received post quarterly report complaints website sec authorizes board revoke class exemptions rail carrier requirements protect rail shippers abuse market power requires board conclude study class exemptions determine revoked sec directs board require class railroad carriers railroad carriers report regularly railroad service metrics performance data prescribed board sec requires board studies uniform railroad system use replacement cost approach value rail facility assets rail practices including switching surcharges penalties charges rail car interchange rules sec adds new requirement exception board authority abandon discontinue rail line allows board authorize abandonment discontinuance rail line financially responsible person offers financial assistance existing law establishes reasonable likelihood freight rail service public transportation intercity rail passenger transportation railroad line abandoned raises days days deadline board render decision response requests establish conditions compensation subsidy purchase abandoned discontinued line sec authorizes filing application board rail carrier non rail carrier relating abandonment discontinuance rail transportation service railroad line sec authorizes board extend emergency service orders day increments initial days finding emergency ended sec delineates requirements proof admissibility evidence rail carrier rate agreements title iii regulatory reform sec prohibits board issuing person rail carrier certificate acquire railroad line extended additional railroad line includes interchange commitments mechanisms restricting ability purchaser tenant interchange traffic carrier reasonable public interest delineates process persons challenge existing interchange commitments certain rights remedies respect authorizes secretary reduce interest rates direct_loans provided class class iii rail carriers purchase lease rail line authorizes fy2010 fy2014 appropriations carry rate reductions directs secretary grants available assist class iii rail carrier board jurisdiction credit risk premium direct_loan loan guarantee purchase lease rail line authorizes fy2010 fy2014 appropriations secretary grants sec requires class rail carrier establish rail customer request reasonable terminal switching rates single line movement movement rail transportation rail segment carrier market sec revises criteria authorizing board require rail carrier terminal available rail carrier authorizes board require class rail carrier including rail carrier deemed appropriate terminal facilities available use carrier cases market terminal area sec changes discretionary mandatory authority board establish reasonable rail rate standards terminal use sec requires board establish binding arbitration process resolve rail rate practice common carrier service disputes sec revises maximum rates relief board provide railroad shippers certain rail rate reasonableness cases sets forth time limits board review cases sec authorizes board consider reasonableness rate rail carrier year date rate effect sec prescribes timelines board follow stand cost rate challenges extends request party interest process sec directs board initiate study provide guidance apply revenue adequacy sec revises board authority impose conditions sale lease abandoned discontinued rail properties public use requires board prohibit disposal properties certain period offered reasonable terms sale public purposes sec revises requirements respect approval denial consolidation merger acquisition control rail carriers authorize board consideration significant effects transaction public health safety environment intercity rail passenger transportation commuter rail passenger transportation sec limits years date sale requirement purchasing carrier proposing sell abandon purchased railroad line offer right refusal carrier sold line purchasing carrier place sec directs comptroller_general review regulatory changes act title technical corrections sec makes certain technical corrections rail safety improvement act passenger rail investment improvement act allocates funds fy2009 establishment task_force develop model plan passenger rail carriers provide assistance notification families passengers involved rail accidents title miscellaneous sec authorizes board investigate pipeline carrier violations initiative complaint existing law sec exempts board authority pipeline transportation natural artificial gases primarily fuel energy purposes requires comptroller_general study federal state regulatory framework support development carbon dioxide pipelines


Summary: Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability in Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act of 2011 - Requires public employees to perform construction inspections on all surface transportation projects receiving federal funding.

safety efficiency accountability transportation projects public inspection act requires public employees perform construction inspections surface_transportation projects receiving federal funding


Summary: Surface Transportation Savings Act of 2011 - Rescinds specified amounts authorized for FY2010 and for October 1, 2010-March 4, 2011, under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for: (1) safety belt performance grants; (2) administrative expenses of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); (3) the National Driver Register; (4) NHTSA operations and research; and (5) transit formula and bus grants.

surface_transportation savings act rescinds specified amounts authorized fy2010 october march safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea safety belt performance grants administrative expenses national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa national_driver_register nhtsa operations research transit formula bus grants


Summary: Smart Technologies for Communities Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish the Smart Communities Technology Initiative to provide grants to eligible entities to develop pilot programs to serve as model deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and return on investment.

smart technologies communities act_-_directs secretary transportation dot establish smart communities technology initiative provide grants eligible entities develop pilot programs serve model deployment sites large scale installation operation transportation systems improve safety efficiency system performance return investment


Summary: Surface Transportation Savings Act of 2011 - Rescinds specified amounts authorized for FY2010 and FY2011 under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for: (1) safety belt performance grants, (2) administrative expenses of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), (3) the National Driver Register, (4) NHTSA operations and research, and (5) transit formula and bus grants. Requires all rescinded funds to be used for deficit reduction.

surface_transportation savings act rescinds specified amounts authorized fy2010 fy2011 safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea safety belt performance grants administrative expenses national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa national_driver_register nhtsa operations research transit formula bus grants requires rescinded funds deficit reduction


Summary: Surface Transportation Earmark Rescission, Savings, and Accountability Act of 2011 - Rescinds unobligated balances for: (1) specified transportation projects designated prior to 1998, and (2) specified high priority project authorizations under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in which less than 10% authorized for such projects has been obligated. Rescinds a specified amount of authorizations for FY2005-FY2009 for certain undesignated high priority highway projects under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

surface_transportation earmark rescission savings accountability_act rescinds unobligated balances specified transportation projects designated prior specified high priority project authorizations transportation equity act 21st century authorized projects obligated rescinds specified authorizations fy2009 certain high priority highway projects safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea


Summary: Commuter Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a uniform monthly benefit amount of $200 for all types of transportation fringe benefits (commuting reimbursements, transit passes, parking, and bicycle commuting reimbursements) and allow a cost-of-living adjustment for such benefit amount beginning after 2012; (2) make self-employed individuals eligible for transit pass fringe benefits; (3) require certain employers who have an average of 50 employees during the calendar year to offer a parking cash-out program under which an employer offers employees a cash allowance equal to the regular amount paid by the employer for parking; (4) allow a 10% business tax credit for investment in commuter vans with a seating capacity of at least 7, but not more than 15, adults that are placed in service before January 1, 2019; and (5) permit employees to exclude from gross income for income tax purposes transit passes and reimbursements of bicycle commuting expenses in the same month.

commuter relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code establish uniform monthly benefit types transportation fringe benefits commuting reimbursements transit passes parking bicycle commuting reimbursements allow cost living adjustment benefit beginning self employed individuals eligible transit pass fringe benefits require certain employers average employees calendar year offer parking cash program employer offers employees cash allowance equal regular paid employer parking allow business tax credit investment commuter vans seating capacity adults placed service january permit employees exclude gross income income tax purposes transit passes reimbursements bicycle commuting expenses month


Summary: High Risk Rural Roads Safety Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to carry out a program to improve the safety of high risk rural roads. Requires the Secretary to apportion formulated percentages of federal funds to states to carry out specified projects and activities to improve the safety of such roads. Prescribes the federal share of project costs at 90%. Authorizes a state to use not more than 1.25% or $100,000 (whichever is greater) of apportioned funds for a road safety assessment program.

high risk rural roads safety act directs secretary transportation dot carry program improve safety high risk rural roads requires secretary apportion formulated percentages federal funds states carry specified projects activities improve safety roads prescribes federal share project costs authorizes state use whichever greater apportioned funds road safety assessment program


Summary: Transportation Infrastructure Improvements on Federal Lands Act of 2011 - Makes eligible for federal-aid highway assistance preventive maintenance activities on federal lands highways the appropriate federal land management agency demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) are a cost-effective means of extending the useful life of such a highway. Authorizes the use of Federal Lands Highway Program funds for: (1) trails used primarily for transportation; and (2) maintenance of highways, roads, parkways, and trails used primarily for transportation located on public lands, national parks, and Indian reservations, provided such maintenance will improve the asset management of such facilities. Sets the federal share of the cost of a high priority project located on public lands or an Indian reservation, or in a national park or wildlife refuge, at 100%. Makes eligible for federal-aid highway assistance any projects in the vicinity of a federally owned or managed park, refuge, or recreational area open to the general public (Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program) that: (1) are part of an alternative transportation program in which implementation is expected to last more than one year; or (2) involve capital investment grants financing operating costs of fixed guideway projects and systems, buses and related equipment, and bus-related facilities for which capital investment grant assistance has been provided. Earmarks 60% of funds made available to the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program each fiscal year for qualified alternative transportation projects in national parks.

transportation infrastructure improvements federal lands act makes eligible federal aid highway assistance preventive maintenance activities federal lands highways appropriate federal land management agency demonstrates satisfaction secretary transportation dot cost effective means extending useful life highway authorizes use federal lands highway program funds trails primarily transportation maintenance highways roads trails primarily transportation located public lands national parks indian reservations provided maintenance improve asset management facilities sets federal share cost high priority project located public lands indian reservation national park wildlife refuge makes eligible federal aid highway assistance projects vicinity federally owned managed park refuge recreational area open general public paul sarbanes transit parks program alternative transportation program implementation expected year involve capital investment grants financing operating costs fixed guideway projects systems buses related equipment bus related facilities capital investment grant assistance provided earmarks funds available paul sarbanes transit parks program fiscal year qualified alternative transportation projects national parks


Summary: Jobs Through Environmental Safeguarding and Streamlining Act of 2011 - Revises requirements for the mandatory joint determination by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), with respect to the eligibility for state reimbursement of the federal share of state costs for the advance acquisition of highway rights-of-way for a project eligible for surface transportation program funds, that such advanced acquisition did not influence the environmental assessment of the project, the decision to construct the project, or the selection of the project design or location. Removes the EPA Administrator from this joint determination, leaving the Secretary alone to make it. Authorizes the Secretary to encourage states and other public authorities, where practicable, to acquire broad transportation rights-of-way that have a capacity for future expansion over a 50- to 100- year period to accommodate the state's long-range transportation needs as well as one or more transportation modes. Allows the Secretary to modify project development procedures for any approved highway project, public transportation capital project, or multimodal project for which an environmental impact statement is prepared to encourage programmatic approaches and strategies with respect to environmental programs and permits. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines to assist state and local governmental entities in assuming an increased role in preparing environmental documents as well as participating in the environmental review process for a project. Modifies the prohibition, under the surface transportation project delivery pilot program, against assignment to a state of the responsibility of the Secretary for any conformity determination under the Clean Air Act with regard to highway projects in the state. Allows the Secretary to assign a state that responsibility for an individual project. Treats any project as a highway project if the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is the lead agency for it. Allows the Secretary to assign a state authorities relating to the FHWA and another DOT modal administration with regard to any highway project involving such agencies. Eliminates the limitation to Alaska, California, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas of state participation in the program. Allows program participation by any state meeting the selection criteria. Prescribes special rules to permit a state participating in the program on September 30, 2009, to continue in the program and not be required to submit an application. Revises requirements for the written agreement under the pilot program between the Secretary and a state governor to include agreement to carry out the Secretary's assigned responsibilities using the best available science. Limits such an agreement to a five-year renewable term. Allows the agreement to list projects excluded from the program. Prohibits the agreement from imposing on the state a limitation on the use of a project delivery method, if the limitation would not otherwise apply to the state. Treats as a project delivery method state authority to acquire rights-of-way and conduct final design work for a project with state funds on an at-risk basis before completion of the project's environmental review process. Authorizes the Secretary to monitor state compliance with an agreement, instead of conducting an audit, if the state has been participating in the program pursuant to the agreement for 10 consecutive years. Requires the Secretary to commence the auditing process, however, if a state, while participating in the monitoring program, repeatedly fails to comply with all aspects of the agreement. Repeals the termination date for the surface transportation project delivery pilot program, thus making it permanent.

jobs environmental safeguarding streamlining act revises requirements mandatory joint determination administrator environmental_protection_agency epa secretary transportation dot respect eligibility state reimbursement federal share state costs advance acquisition highway rights way project eligible surface_transportation program funds advanced acquisition influence environmental assessment project decision construct project selection project design location removes epa administrator joint determination leaving secretary authorizes secretary encourage states public authorities practicable acquire broad transportation rights way capacity future expansion year period accommodate state long range transportation needs transportation modes allows secretary modify project development procedures approved highway project public transportation capital project multimodal project environmental impact statement prepared encourage programmatic approaches strategies respect environmental programs permits directs secretary issue guidelines assist state local governmental entities assuming increased role preparing environmental documents participating environmental review process project modifies prohibition surface_transportation project delivery pilot program assignment state responsibility secretary conformity determination clean_air act regard highway projects state allows secretary assign state responsibility individual project treats project highway project federal_highway_administration fhwa lead agency allows secretary assign state authorities relating fhwa dot modal administration regard highway project involving agencies eliminates limitation alaska california ohio oklahoma texas state participation program allows program participation state meeting selection criteria prescribes special rules permit state participating program september continue program required submit application revises requirements written agreement pilot program secretary state governor include agreement carry secretary assigned responsibilities best available science limits agreement year renewable term allows agreement list projects excluded program prohibits agreement imposing state limitation use project delivery method limitation apply state treats project delivery method state authority acquire rights way conduct final design work project state funds risk basis completion project environmental review process authorizes secretary monitor state compliance agreement instead conducting audit state participating program pursuant agreement consecutive years requires secretary commence auditing process state participating monitoring program repeatedly fails comply aspects agreement repeals termination date surface_transportation project delivery pilot program making permanent


Summary: Environmental Review Cooperation Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to carry out a demonstration program to allow a state or local government to assume the Secretary's responsibilities for environmental review and approval of highway projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 through implementation of the state's environmental laws instead of federal environmental laws. Authorizes the Secretary to allow a state or local government to participate in the demonstration program only if: (1) the state's environmental laws provide a substantially equivalent level of environmental protection as applicable federal laws, (2) program participation by the state or local government will not diminish protection of the environment, and (3) the head of the state agency or local government with primary jurisdiction over highway matters enters into a written agreement with the Secretary. Revises and makes permanent the surface transportation project delivery pilot program. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a state, as a condition of participation in the program, to forego project delivery methods otherwise permissible for highway projects. Authorizes a state to assume highway project responsibilities administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), but not the responsibilities of any other modal administration within DOT. Repeals the limitation to Alaska, California, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas of state participation in the program. Allows program participation by all states. Prescribes a special rule to permit a state participating in the program on September 30, 2009, to continue in the program and not be required to submit an application.

environmental review cooperation act_-_directs secretary transportation dot carry demonstration program allow state local government assume secretary responsibilities environmental review approval highway projects national_environmental_policy_act implementation state environmental laws instead federal environmental laws authorizes secretary allow state local government participate demonstration program state environmental laws provide substantially equivalent level environmental protection applicable federal laws program participation state local government diminish protection environment head state agency local government primary jurisdiction highway matters enters written agreement secretary revises makes permanent surface_transportation project delivery pilot program prohibits secretary requiring state condition participation program forego project delivery methods permissible highway projects authorizes state assume highway project responsibilities administered federal_highway_administration fhwa responsibilities modal administration dot repeals limitation alaska california ohio oklahoma texas state participation program allows program participation states prescribes special rule permit state participating program september continue program required submit application


Summary: Rural County Mandate Relief Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) from issuing, implementing, or enforcing a minimum retroreflectivity level standard for a traffic control device under the jurisdiction of a state or local government. Directs the Secretary to modify the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition, to eliminate federal minimum retroreflectivity level standards for traffic control devices and the schedule for their implementation. (Replacement of regulatory, warning, and post-mounted guide [except street name] signs is required by January 22, 2015. Replacement of street name signs and overhead guide signs is required by January 22, 2018.) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary revise the Manual to include a federal standard for a minimum level of retroreflectivity for pavement markings and signs on all public roads.

rural county mandate relief_act prohibits secretary transportation dot issuing implementing enforcing minimum retroreflectivity level standard traffic control device jurisdiction state local government directs secretary modify manual uniform traffic control devices streets highways eliminate federal minimum retroreflectivity level standards traffic control devices schedule implementation replacement regulatory warning post mounted guide street signs required january replacement street signs overhead guide signs required january repeals requirement secretary revise manual include federal standard minimum level retroreflectivity pavement markings signs public roads


Summary: Transportation Funding Flexibility Act - Revises the surface transportation program to eliminate the requirement that states set-aside a specified amount of their apportionment of surface transportation program funds for transportation enhancement activities.

transportation funding flexibility act revises surface_transportation program eliminate requirement states set aside specified apportionment surface_transportation program funds transportation enhancement activities


Summary: Clean Construction Act of 2011 - Requires all off-road diesel equipment and on-road diesel equipment operating for at least 80 hours over the life of a federal-aid highway construction project or public transportation construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area to have diesel emission control technology installed. Applies the same requirement to all covered equipment used on a covered public transportation construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area. Defines: (1) "off-road diesel equipment" as a vehicle (including covered equipment) that is powered by a nonroad diesel engine of at least 50 horsepower and not intended for highway use; and (2) "on-road diesel equipment" as any self-propelled vehicle that operates on diesel fuel, is designed to transport persons or property on a street or highway, and has a gross vehicle weight of at least 14,000 pounds. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to approve as part of the federal share of cost of a federal-aid highway construction project or public transportation construction project an amount equal to the state expenditure for acquiring and installing diesel emission control technology, if the state expenditure meets certain criteria. Directs the Secretary and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to establish jointly a streamlined process to ensure that states may: (1) quantify the emissions reductions achieved under this Act; and (2) include such reductions in state implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards under the Clean Air Act to demonstrate progress toward, attainment of, or maintenance of such standards.

clean construction act requires road diesel equipment road diesel equipment operating hours life federal aid highway construction project public transportation construction project nonattainment maintenance area diesel emission control technology installed applies requirement covered equipment covered public transportation construction project nonattainment maintenance area defines road diesel equipment vehicle including covered equipment powered nonroad diesel engine intended highway use road diesel equipment self propelled vehicle operates diesel fuel designed transport persons property street highway gross vehicle weight pounds directs secretary transportation dot approve federal share cost federal aid highway construction project public transportation construction project equal state expenditure acquiring installing diesel emission control technology state expenditure meets certain criteria directs secretary environmental_protection_agency epa administrator establish jointly streamlined process ensure states quantify emissions reductions achieved act include reductions state implementation plans national primary secondary ambient air quality standards clean_air act demonstrate progress attainment maintenance standards


Summary: Local Flexibility for Transit Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make urbanized area formula grants for the operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population over 200,000 to a designated recipient, direct recipient, or subrecipient that provides public transportation in the area operating less than 100 buses in fixed-route service in the area during peak service hours. Authorizes a designated recipient or direct recipient that operates at least 100 buses in fixed-route service during peak service hours in an urbanized area with a population of more than 200,000 to use grant funds for the operating costs of public transportation equipment and facilities in such projects if: (1) the recipients are certified by the Secretary as being in a crisis period; and (2) the recipients' percentage of revenue for the operating costs of public transportation equipment and facilities from non-federal sources (excluding system-generated revenue) is equal to the previous fiscal year's revenue, or the revenue is derived from dedicated sources. Specifies percentage limitations on the use of funds for urbanized areas with populations between 200,000 and 500,000, between 500,000 and 1 million, and over 1 million. Defines "crisis period" to mean that: (1) the unemployment rate within the recipients' service area is 7% or higher for the preceding month, or (2) the national average retail price of regular gasoline during a quarter has increased by more than 10%.

local flexibility transit assistance act_-_authorizes secretary transportation dot urbanized area formula_grants operating costs equipment facilities use public transportation urbanized area population designated recipient direct recipient provides public transportation area operating buses fixed route service area peak service hours authorizes designated recipient direct recipient operates buses fixed route service peak service hours urbanized area population use grant funds operating costs public transportation equipment facilities projects recipients certified secretary crisis period recipients percentage revenue operating costs public transportation equipment facilities non federal sources excluding system generated revenue equal previous fiscal year revenue revenue derived dedicated sources specifies percentage limitations use funds urbanized areas populations million million defines crisis period mean unemployment rate recipients service area higher preceding month national average retail price regular gasoline quarter increased


Summary: Transportation Empowerment Act - Declares the purposes of the Act, including returning maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility to the states for all elements of the national surface transportation systems (excluding the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways). Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for FY2014-FY2018 for specified core programs under the federal-aid highway program, including: (1) the interstate maintenance program, (2) emergency relief for highways and roads, (3) the interstate bridge program, (4) the federal lands highways program, (5) highway safety programs, (6) surface transportation research, and (7) administrative expenses. Authorizes a state to transfer and use excess federal-aid highway funds for any surface transportation project (including mass transit and rail). Revises the apportionment of federal-aid highway funds under the interstate maintenance component. Requires 1% of such funds to be apportioned to the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, with the remaining 99% of funds apportioned to the states based on certain formulae. Limits federal assistance to states for highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation to bridges on the federal-aid highway system. Repeals the authorization of federal assistance to states for non-federal bridges and highways. Declares that, beginning with FY2013, a highway construction or improvement project shall not be considered a federal project: (1) unless and until a state expends federal funds for the construction portion of such project, (2) solely by reason of the state expenditure of federal funds before the construction phase of the project (including for any environmental document or design work), or (3) upon state reimbursement to the federal government of the federal costs of such projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make amounts in the HTF available for expenditure for core highway programs through FY2018. Requires the Secretary of Treasury to transfer from the HTF amounts equivalent to motorboat and aviation fuel taxes collected before October 1, 2020, to: (1) the Land and Water Conservation Fund, (2) the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and (3) the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary to pay from the HTF into the general fund of the Treasury amounts equivalent to the floor stocks refunds made before July 1, 2021. Prescribes a motor fuel tax rate schedule for financing of core highway programs. Terminates, on September 30, 2013, the authority of the Secretary to make certain transfers to the Mass Transit Account. Establishes in the HTF the Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund, $1 billion of which shall be available during FY2014-FY2017 to states for transportation-related program expenditures. Directs the Secretary to allocate to the states for surface transportation projects (including mass transit and rail) any excess highway tax receipts appropriated to the HTF in FY2014-FY2017. Reduces the excise taxes imposed on: (1) gasoline from 18.3 cents to 3.7 cents, (2) diesel fuel or kerosene from 24.3 cents to 5.0 cents, and (3) diesel-water fuel emulsion from 19.7 cents to 4.1 cents. Requires credits or refunds of certain floor stocks taxes on liquids imposed before October 1, 2017. Declares that this Act shall become effective only if the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) certifies that it is deficit neutral.

transportation empowerment act declares purposes act including returning maximum discretionary authority fiscal responsibility states elements national surface_transportation systems excluding national system interstate defense highways authorizes appropriations highway_trust_fund htf fy2014-fy2018 specified core programs federal aid highway program including interstate maintenance program emergency relief highways roads interstate bridge program federal lands highways program highway safety programs surface_transportation research administrative expenses authorizes state transfer use excess federal aid highway funds surface_transportation project including mass transit rail revises apportionment federal aid highway funds interstate maintenance component requires funds apportioned virgin_islands guam american_samoa commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands remaining funds apportioned states based certain formulae limits federal assistance states highway bridge replacement rehabilitation bridges federal aid highway system repeals authorization federal assistance states non federal bridges highways declares beginning fy2013 highway construction improvement project shall considered federal project state expends federal funds construction portion project solely reason state expenditure federal funds construction phase project including environmental document design work state reimbursement federal_government federal costs projects amends_the_internal_revenue_code amounts htf available expenditure core highway programs fy2018 requires secretary treasury transfer htf amounts equivalent aviation fuel taxes collected october land_and_water_conservation_fund sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund airport airway_trust_fund requires secretary pay htf general_fund_of_the_treasury amounts equivalent floor stocks refunds july prescribes motor fuel tax rate schedule financing core highway programs terminates september authority secretary certain transfers mass transit account establishes htf infrastructure special assistance fund billion shall available fy2014 fy2017 states transportation related program expenditures directs secretary allocate states surface_transportation projects including mass transit rail excess highway tax receipts appropriated htf fy2014 fy2017 reduces excise taxes imposed gasoline cents cents diesel fuel kerosene cents cents diesel water fuel emulsion cents cents requires credits refunds certain floor stocks taxes liquids imposed october declares act shall effective director office_of_management_and_budget omb certifies deficit neutral


Summary: American Jobs Preservation Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from issuing a public interest waiver of Buy American requirements under the highway, public transportation, aviation, or passenger rail programs before considering the potential impacts of that waiver on domestic manufacturing employment. Requires the Secretary to issue a statement detailing the short- and long-term impact of each of those public interest waivers on domestic manufacturing employment.

american_jobs preservation act prohibits secretary transportation issuing public interest waiver buy american requirements highway public transportation aviation passenger rail programs considering potential impacts waiver domestic manufacturing employment requires secretary issue statement detailing short- long term impact public interest waivers domestic manufacturing employment


Summary: Keep Americans Working Building Our Transportation Infrastructure Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to publish on the Internet any request for a waiver of Buy American requirements under the highway, public transportation, aviation, or passenger rail programs and provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the intent to issue a waiver. Requires the Secretary, upon deciding to grant such a waiver, to: (1) publish in the Federal Register, before the decision takes effect, a detailed written justification of the waiver; (2) provide the public with notice of the decision and an opportunity to comment on it for a reasonable period, but no less than 15 days; and (3) review those comments. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate or modify a waiver decision based on comments received after the decision takes effect. Repeals existing Buy American waiver requirements under the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010.

americans working building transportation infrastructure act_-_directs secretary transportation publish internet request waiver buy american requirements highway public transportation aviation passenger rail programs provide public opportunity comment intent issue waiver requires secretary deciding grant waiver publish federal_register decision takes effect detailed written justification waiver provide public notice decision opportunity comment reasonable period days review comments authorizes secretary terminate modify waiver decision based comments received decision takes effect repeals existing buy american waiver requirements safetea technical corrections act consolidated_appropriations_act


Summary: Nation Building Here at Home Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a transformational infrastructure competitive grant program to award grants to state and local governments, transit agencies, and port authorities for certain public transportation projects (including water infrastructure projects) with potential to significantly impact a metropolitan area, a region, or all of the United States. Specifies the federal share of project costs at 100%. Requires the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in projects funded under this Act to have been produced in the United States, except in specified circumstances. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Nation Building Here at Home Financing Initiative.

nation building home act directs secretary transportation dot establish transformational infrastructure competitive grant program award grants state local governments transit agencies port authorities certain public transportation projects including water infrastructure projects potential significantly impact metropolitan area region united_states specifies federal share project costs requires iron steel manufactured goods projects funded act produced united_states specified circumstances directs secretary treasury establish nation building home financing initiative


Summary: TIGER Grants for Job Creation Act - Makes supplemental appropriations of $500 million for each of FY2013 and FY2014 for the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program for national infrastructure investment projects for states, local governments, and transit agencies.

tiger grants job creation act makes supplemental appropriations million fy2013 fy2014 department_of_transportation dot transportation investment generating economic recovery tiger competitive grant program national infrastructure investment projects states local governments transit agencies


Summary: Modernizing of Documentation and Elimination of Redundant Identification and Security Credentials Act or MODERN Security Credentials Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to consolidate and harmonize the DHS security threat assessment process for transportation workers. Revises the criteria for disqualifying an individual for employment with an air carrier, foreign air carrier, airport operator, or government. Prohibits an air carrier, foreign air carrier, airport operator, or government from employing individuals that: (1) have been disqualified from being issued a biometric or other transportation security card, or (2) pose a threat to transportation or national security. Authorizes a disqualified individual to seek a waiver of such requirements. Expands the list of criminal offenses that disqualify an individual temporarily or permanently from being issued a biometric transportation security card if convicted. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to issue final regulations prohibiting commercial motor vehicle operators and shippers from transporting a security-sensitive material without holding a valid transportation security card. Directs the Secretary to prohibit Mexican or Canadian licensed commercial motor vehicle operators from transporting a security-sensitive material in the United States without being subjected to, and not disqualified as a result of, a security background records check by a federal agency which is similar to the background records check required for U.S. commercial motor vehicle operators transporting security-sensitive materials. Deems individuals who have obtained a hazardous materials endorsement to have met the background check requirements for issuance of a transportation security card. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue biometric transportation security cards to commercial motor vehicle operators transporting security-sensitive material. Requires the Secretary of DHS to establish a task force on disqualifying crimes.

modernizing documentation elimination redundant identification security credentials act modern security credentials act_-_directs secretary homeland_security dhs consolidate harmonize dhs security threat assessment process transportation workers revises criteria disqualifying individual employment air carrier foreign air carrier airport operator government prohibits air carrier foreign air carrier airport operator government employing individuals disqualified issued biometric transportation security card pose threat transportation national security authorizes disqualified individual seek waiver requirements expands list criminal offenses disqualify individual temporarily permanently issued biometric transportation security card convicted amends homeland_security act direct secretary issue final regulations prohibiting commercial motor vehicle operators shippers transporting security sensitive material holding valid transportation security card directs secretary prohibit mexican canadian licensed commercial motor vehicle operators transporting security sensitive material united_states subjected disqualified result security background records check federal agency similar background records check required commercial motor vehicle operators transporting security sensitive materials deems individuals obtained hazardous materials endorsement met background check requirements issuance transportation security card requires secretary department coast_guard operating issue biometric transportation security cards commercial motor vehicle operators transporting security sensitive material requires secretary dhs establish task_force disqualifying crimes


Summary: Surface Transportation and Mass Transit Security Act of 2011 - Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to replace the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for purposes of TSA's surface transportation security program. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish: (1) within the TSA a Surface Transportation Security Inspection Office, headed by a Director, to train, employ, and utilize surface transportation security inspectors to assist surface transportation carriers to enhance their security against terrorist attacks and other security threats; and (2) primary and secondary U.S. field offices for such inspectors. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to maintain at least 100 more surface transportation security inspectors than were employed at the end of FY2010. Requires the Director to provide training to each inspector. Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit to Congress a plan for expanding the duties and training of inspectors to enhance TSA's surface transportation security mission. Requires the Assistant Secretary to: (1) develop qualitative performance measures and objectives for assessing the effectiveness of Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams in providing transportation security, (2) establish risk-based criteria to evaluate all proposals for VIPR deployments in the United States, and (3) implement an interoperability of communications plan for VIPR team operations. Requires the Assistant Secretary to establish: (1) within the TSA a Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee, and (2) within the Committee passenger carrier security and freight rail security security working groups. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit to Congress a human capital plan for TSA's hiring and training of surface transportation security personnel, including surface transportation security inspectors. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the status of DHS implementation of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations for development and issuance of transportation security training regulations. Expresses the sense of Congress that the DHS Transportation Security Grant Program should be restored from the FY2011 reductions to ensure that transit agencies in high-risk areas can protect their systems and passengers from terrorist attacks. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to conduct a passenger rail security demonstration project to assess the feasibility of technologies to strengthen the security of passenger rail systems against terrorist attacks involving the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Requires the Assistant Secretary, by the end of FY2011, to increase to at least 200 the number of canine teams for passenger rail and public transportation security activities. Directs the Secretary to carry out a First Observer Program under which mass transit and other surface transportation professionals and related stakeholders may report to the Assistant Secretary suspicious activities or security threats that may be related to a potential transportation security incident or act of terrorism.

surface_transportation mass transit security act amends implementing recommendations commission act replace administrator transportation_security_administration tsa assistant secretary homeland_security purposes tsa surface_transportation security program directs assistant secretary establish tsa surface_transportation security inspection office headed director train employ utilize surface_transportation security inspectors assist surface_transportation carriers enhance security terrorist attacks security threats primary secondary field offices inspectors requires secretary homeland_security dhs maintain surface_transportation security inspectors employed end fy2010 requires director provide training inspector requires assistant secretary submit congress plan expanding duties training inspectors enhance tsa surface_transportation security mission requires assistant secretary develop qualitative performance measures objectives assessing effectiveness visible intermodal prevention response teams providing transportation security establish risk based criteria evaluate proposals deployments united_states implement interoperability communications plan team operations requires assistant secretary establish tsa surface_transportation security advisory_committee committee passenger carrier security freight rail security security working groups directs assistant secretary submit congress human capital plan tsa hiring training surface_transportation security personnel including surface_transportation security inspectors requires secretary report congress status dhs implementation commission recommendations development issuance transportation security training regulations expresses sense congress dhs transportation security grant program restored fy2011 reductions ensure transit agencies high risk areas protect systems passengers terrorist attacks authorizes assistant secretary conduct passenger rail security demonstration project assess feasibility technologies strengthen security passenger rail systems terrorist attacks involving use improvised explosive devices requires assistant secretary end fy2011 increase number canine teams passenger rail public transportation security activities directs secretary carry observer program mass transit surface_transportation professionals related stakeholders report assistant secretary suspicious activities security threats related potential transportation security incident act terrorism


Summary: Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2015 for the Surface Transportation Board. Increases Board membership from three to five members. Removes the Board from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish it as an independent U.S. agency. Grants the DOT Inspector General authority to review only Board financial management, property management, and business operations to determine compliance with applicable federal laws and detect fraud and abuse. Revises member composition of the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council. Revises the objectives of U.S. rail transportation policy, including protection of rail shippers. Requires the Board to: (1) maintain an Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance; and (2) appoint a rail customer advocate to resolve rail customer complaints. Authorizes the Board to investigate rail carrier and pipeline carrier violations on its own initiative as well as on complaint (as under existing law). Requires proceedings to determine the reasonableness of a rate charged by a carrier be initiated only upon complaint. Requires the Board to: (1) establish a database of rail service complaints it has received; and (2) post a quarterly report of such complaints on its website. Authorizes the Board to revoke class exemptions to rail carrier requirements to protect rail shippers from the abuse of market power. Requires Board studies on: (1) class exemptions; (2) the Uniform Railroad Costing System; (3) use of a replacement cost approach to value rail facility assets; (4) rail practices; and (5) rail interchange rules. Directs the Board to require Class I railroad carriers and other railroad carriers to report regularly on railroad service metrics and other performance data as prescribed by the Board. Delineates requirements regarding proof and admissibility of evidence of rail carrier interline rate agreements. Prohibits the Board from issuing a person (other than a rail carrier) a certificate to acquire a railroad line or extended or additional railroad line that includes interchange commitments or other mechanisms restricting the ability of the purchaser or tenant to interchange traffic with another carrier unless they are reasonable and in the public interest. Delineates a process for persons to challenge existing interchange commitments as well as certain rights and remedies with respect to them. Directs the Secretary to make grants available to assist any Class III rail carrier under Board jurisdiction with the credit risk premium of a direct loan or loan guarantee made to purchase or lease a rail line. Requires a Class I rail carrier to establish, upon rail customer request, reasonable bottleneck and terminal switching rates for single line movement or interline movement rail transportation over a bottleneck rail segment in which the carrier has market dominance. Revises criteria authorizing the Board to require a rail carrier to make its terminal available to another rail carrier. Authorizes the Board to require a Class I rail carrier (including any other rail carrier deemed appropriate) to make its terminal facilities available for use by another carrier in cases where it has market dominance in a terminal area. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Board to establish reasonable rail rate standards for terminal use. Requires the Board to establish a binding arbitration process to resolve rail rate, practice, and common carrier service disputes. Revises maximum rates of relief that the Board may provide to railroad shippers in certain rail rate reasonableness cases. Sets forth time limits for Board review of such cases. Revises requirements with respect to the approval or denial of the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of rail carriers to authorize the Board to take into consideration significant effects of the transaction on public health, safety, and the environment as well as intercity rail passenger transportation and commuter rail passenger transportation.

surface_transportation_board reauthorization act authorizes appropriations fy2011 fy2015 surface_transportation_board increases board membership members removes board department_of_transportation dot establish independent agency grants dot_inspector general authority review board financial management property management business operations determine compliance applicable federal laws detect fraud abuse revises member composition railroad shipper transportation advisory_council revises objectives rail transportation policy including protection rail shippers requires board maintain office public assistance governmental_affairs compliance appoint rail customer advocate resolve rail customer complaints authorizes board investigate rail carrier pipeline carrier violations initiative complaint existing law requires proceedings determine reasonableness rate charged carrier initiated complaint requires board establish database rail service complaints received post quarterly report complaints website authorizes board revoke class exemptions rail carrier requirements protect rail shippers abuse market power requires board studies class exemptions uniform railroad system use replacement cost approach value rail facility assets rail practices rail interchange rules directs board require class railroad carriers railroad carriers report regularly railroad service metrics performance data prescribed board delineates requirements proof admissibility evidence rail carrier rate agreements prohibits board issuing person rail carrier certificate acquire railroad line extended additional railroad line includes interchange commitments mechanisms restricting ability purchaser tenant interchange traffic carrier reasonable public interest delineates process persons challenge existing interchange commitments certain rights remedies respect directs secretary grants available assist class iii rail carrier board jurisdiction credit risk premium direct_loan loan guarantee purchase lease rail line requires class rail carrier establish rail customer request reasonable terminal switching rates single line movement movement rail transportation rail segment carrier market revises criteria authorizing board require rail carrier terminal available rail carrier authorizes board require class rail carrier including rail carrier deemed appropriate terminal facilities available use carrier cases market terminal area changes discretionary mandatory authority board establish reasonable rail rate standards terminal use requires board establish binding arbitration process resolve rail rate practice common carrier service disputes revises maximum rates relief board provide railroad shippers certain rail rate reasonableness cases sets forth time limits board review cases revises requirements respect approval denial consolidation merger acquisition control rail carriers authorize board consideration significant effects transaction public health safety environment intercity rail passenger transportation commuter rail passenger transportation


Summary: Family Account to Save on Transportation Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain employer-provided transportation benefits (i.e., commuting and parking costs, transit passes) under tax-qualified flexible spending arrangements, for the two-year period beginning after the enactment of this Act..

family account save transportation act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow certain employer provided transportation benefits commuting parking costs transit passes tax qualified flexible spending arrangements year period beginning enactment act


Summary: Clean Construction Act of 2011 - Requires all off-road diesel equipment and on-road diesel equipment operating for at least 80 hours over the life of a federal-aid highway construction project or public transportation construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area to have diesel emission control technology installed. Applies the same requirement to all covered equipment used on a covered public transportation construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area. Defines: (1) "off-road diesel equipment" as a vehicle (including covered equipment) that is powered by a nonroad diesel engine of at least 50 horsepower and not intended for highway use; and (2) "on-road diesel equipment" as any self-propelled vehicle that operates on diesel fuel, is designed to transport persons or property on a street or highway, and has a gross vehicle weight of at least 14,000 pounds. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to approve as part of the federal share of cost of a federal-aid highway construction project or public transportation construction project an amount equal to the state expenditure for acquiring and installing diesel emission control technology, if the state expenditure meets certain criteria.

clean construction act requires road diesel equipment road diesel equipment operating hours life federal aid highway construction project public transportation construction project nonattainment maintenance area diesel emission control technology installed applies requirement covered equipment covered public transportation construction project nonattainment maintenance area defines road diesel equipment vehicle including covered equipment powered nonroad diesel engine intended highway use road diesel equipment self propelled vehicle operates diesel fuel designed transport persons property street highway gross vehicle weight pounds directs secretary transportation dot approve federal share cost federal aid highway construction project public transportation construction project equal state expenditure acquiring installing diesel emission control technology state expenditure meets certain criteria


Summary: Senior Transportation and Mobility Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the program providing formula grants to states for the special public transportation needs of older individuals and the disabled to allow states to use a portion of those grants to operate and maintain the capital assets acquired under that program. Sets the federal share of the costs of the mobility management activities such grants may cover at 90%. (Mobility management activities are designed to improve coordination among public and other transportation service providers.) Requires the National Transit Database to include information on the public transportation formula grant program for older individuals and the disabled, and the public transportation formula grant program for nonurban areas. Requires metropolitan planning organizations and states to involve older individuals and the disabled in metropolitan and statewide transportation planning. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enter into a cooperative agreement with the National Center on Senior Transportation to: (1) provide technical assistance to transit and human services organizations, (2) disseminate best practices regarding transportation for older individuals, and (3) make grants to nonprofit organizations to test innovative and replicable approaches for addressing the mobility needs of older individuals. Requires the FTA to make grants to nonprofit aging services organizations to offer mobility management services, and develop and implement enhanced technology to support those services.

senior transportation mobility improvement act amends program providing formula_grants states special public transportation needs older individuals disabled allow states use portion grants operate maintain capital assets acquired program sets federal share costs mobility management activities grants cover mobility management activities designed improve coordination public transportation service providers requires national transit database include information public transportation formula grant program older individuals disabled public transportation formula grant program areas requires metropolitan planning organizations states involve older individuals disabled metropolitan statewide transportation planning directs administrator federal_transit_administration fta enter cooperative agreement national center senior transportation provide technical assistance transit human services organizations disseminate best practices transportation older individuals grants nonprofit organizations test innovative approaches addressing mobility needs older individuals requires fta grants nonprofit aging services organizations offer mobility management services develop implement enhanced technology support services


Summary: Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act when carrying out certain personnel decisions with respect to the employment of air transportation passenger and property screeners.

amends aviation transportation security act require transportation_security_administration tsa comply uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act carrying certain personnel decisions respect employment air transportation passenger property screeners