Texas Senate Bill SB2004

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the operation of a public transit motor bus by certain mass transit entities on an improved shoulder.

Impact

The passage of SB2004 could significantly impact traffic management and urban mobility within Texas. By allowing public transit buses to operate on highway shoulders, the bill aims to alleviate congestion in major metropolitan areas and provide faster public transit options to residents. This policy change is expected to enable mass transit agencies to enhance their service frequency and reliability, thus encouraging more residents to utilize public transportation instead of personal vehicles, potentially reducing the overall traffic volume.

Summary

SB2004 focuses on the operation of public transit motor buses by specific mass transit entities on improved shoulders of highways. This bill amends Section 545.058(c) of the Transportation Code to include public transit motor buses as authorized vehicles that can operate on highway shoulders under certain conditions. Specifically, the amended law states that such buses can drive on the shoulder if they are within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning organization comprising at least five counties, and if the two most populous counties are included in a regional mobility authority governed by Chapter 370. This provision aims to improve transit efficiency in densely populated urban areas.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB2004 will improve public transit efficiency and environmental sustainability by promoting bus usage, some concerns have been raised regarding safety and the potential impact on regular traffic flow. Critics caution that the introduction of buses on highway shoulders may pose risks to both bus passengers and other road users, particularly in scenarios where buses merge back into regular traffic. Furthermore, there may be debates surrounding the administrative requirements for mass transit authorities to comply with the new regulations, raising questions about the adequacy of infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms to ensure safety.