The One Seat Ride Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a focused study on commuter rail service, specifically examining the benefits of such service and the major obstacles to providing commuter rail trips that do not require a transfer (i.e., single-seat rides). The study must consider economic, logistical, and quality-of-life factors and include a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits of single-seat trips on the New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley line during peak hours, as well as how those trips would affect other NJ Transit lines. A report detailing the study’s findings is due to Congress within one year of enactment. The bill does not mandate implementation or funding for upgrades; it only requires a government study to inform future policy decisions.
Key Points
- 1Focuses on studying the benefits of commuter rail and the major obstacles to providing transfer-free, single-seat rides.
- 2Requires analysis of economic, logistical, and quality-of-life factors in evaluating single-seat trips.
- 3Includes a specific case study: potential single-seat trips on NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley line during peak hours and the impact on other NJT lines.
- 4Timeline: Secretary of Transportation must deliver a report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee within 1 year of enactment.
- 5Definition reference: Uses the definition of “commuter rail passenger transportation” as provided in 49 U.S.C. § 24102.