Transit Workforce Development Act

Bill Number: H.R. 8362
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Last Updated: 2026-05-13T08:06:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Transit Workforce Development Act (H.R. 8362)

Purpose

This bill amends federal transit grant laws to allow public transit agencies to use up to 10% of certain bus-related grant funds for workforce development and training programs. The goal is to support training for transit workers, expanding beyond previous limits tied to zero-emission vehicles.

Key Provisions

Amendments to Section 5314(c)(4)(A) of Title 49, U.S. Code (national transit training programs): Permits up to 10% of funds from Section 5339 bus grants to be used for training, in addition to funds from Sections 5307 and 5337.
Amendments to Section 5339(d) of Title 49, U.S. Code (grants for buses and bus facilities):
Increases allowable use for workforce training from 5% to 10% of grant amounts.
Broadens eligible uses to general buses, related equipment, and bus facilities (not limited to zero-emission vehicles).
Expands applicability to grants under subsections (a), (b), or (c).
Removes requirements linking training to zero-emission vehicle transition plans.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Higher percentage cap: Raises workforce training allocation from 5% to 10% under Section 5339.
Wider scope: Shifts focus from zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure to all buses and facilities.
Broader grant integration: Allows training funds from Section 5339 to pair with more urbanized area formula grants (Sections 5307, 5337) and applies across additional grant subsections.
These changes provide transit agencies greater flexibility in using federal bus grants without needing new appropriations.

Potential Impacts

Government agencies: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will oversee expanded grant uses, potentially streamlining training approvals and reducing administrative barriers.
Citizens: Improves transit worker skills, which could enhance bus service reliability, safety, and efficiency for riders; may help address labor shortages in public transit.
No direct international relations impact.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Public transit agencies: Primary beneficiaries, as recipients of Sections 5314, 5307, 5337, and 5339 grants.
Transit workers: Gain access to more funded training for bus operations and maintenance.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA): Administers grants and ensures compliance.
Urban and rural communities: Indirectly benefit from better-trained transit staff.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Enhances grant flexibility under existing public transportation laws (Title 49, Chapter 53) without creating new mandates or funding; no challenges to constitutional authority.
Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Rep. Wilson of Florida and 20+ cosponsors); supports workforce development in infrastructure, aligning with broader transit modernization efforts. Minimal controversy, as it reallocates existing funds rather than increasing spending.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]

Cosponsors (22)

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]

Recent Actions

2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2026-04-16: Introduced in House
2026-04-16: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Transit Workforce Development Act — issued 2026-04-16 — PDF (2 pages)