Texas House Bill HB761

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB 761 could significantly affect how public transit operates in urban centers, especially during road construction periods. By facilitating the use of highway shoulders, the bill aims to enhance transit efficiency and potentially reduce delays for public bus services, which could lead to increased ridership if commutes are less hindered by construction and usual traffic. This change may also encourage the use of public transportation as a preferable option over personal vehicle usage, potentially easing congestion further.

Summary

House Bill 761 addresses the operation of public transit motor buses by certain mass transit entities on improved highway shoulders. This legislation is an amendment to Section 545.058 of the Transportation Code, specifically allowing designated public transit buses to bypass traffic by using the shoulder under stipulated conditions. The bill ensures that this privilege is available only in metropolitan planning organizations that consist of at least five counties, with specific population criteria established, thus implying a focus on densely populated urban areas where traffic congestion is more likely.

Contention

While the bill may offer logistical improvements for public transit, there are concerns regarding safety and traffic regulations. Proponents of the bill argue that it provides a necessary solution for improving mass transit operations in heavily trafficked areas, helping to mitigate delays during extensive highway construction projects. However, opponents may voice worries about the implications of allowing buses to operate on shoulders, cautioning that it could create safety hazards for both bus operators and other vehicles on the road, as well as complicate existing traffic dynamics.