FTA Proposes Bus Testing Regulation Updates, Clarifications, Streamlining

FTA has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking public comments on proposed updates to its Bus Testing Regulation, 49 CFR Part 665. Building on best practices and significant experience, FTA is proposing these updates to streamline and improve the Bus Testing Program while ensuring the safety and quality of FTA-funded buses. Some of the proposed changes would increase the rigor of testing to address gaps, while others would relax certain program requirements to reduce the regulatory burden while still ensuring vehicle safety and reliability.

The NPRM also includes a request for information to help FTA identify and assess potential future changes it may propose to the regulation, and to help FTA determine whether new or modified testing protocols are needed for testing buses featuring emerging advanced technologies.

Comments on the NPRM must be submitted to the docket by Aug. 25. To submit comments, visit the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at Regulations.gov and use the DOT Docket ID Number FTA-2024-0012.