Announcements

Today, FTA published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comment on a proposed Buy America Waiver for transit vans and minivans. Under FTA’s proposal, FTA would grant a partial Buy America waiver of limited duration for transit agencies to procure mass-produced, unmodified non-ADA accessible passenger vans and minivans. FTA is requesting public and industry comment on whether to grant the waiver as proposed, or in a modified form.

FTA has received multiple requests for Buy America waivers for non-ADA accessible passenger vans and minivans that can be used in vanpool programs, based on the lack of availability of Buy America-compliant vehicles. Under FTA’s proposal, in lieu of applying Buy America’s rolling stock standard to vans and minivans, FTA would require that final assembly of these vehicles, as well as the country of origin of the engine or motor, be in the United States, as reported under the American Automobile Labeling Act. FTA is proposing that this partial waiver would expire after two years, or when a compliant vehicle becomes available, whichever is first.

Comments are due by Wednesday, August 3.

Links:
Federal Register: Notice of Proposed Buy America Waiver and Request for Comment