Bill Caption

Relating to the establishment and operation of a motor-bus-only lane pilot program in certain counties.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated

Bill Analysis

This legislation amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to implement motor-bus-only pilot lane program for highways in Bexar, El Paso, Travis,and Tarrant Counties, or surrounding counties, in conjunction Department of Public Safety.  This legislation also requires TxDOT to include bus driver safety training, public awareness and education, bus operating rules, and roadside signs and pavement markings, and requires TxDOT to fund the implementation of the program and participating mass transit entities would reimburse TxDOT for funds spent on implementation of the system.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Increasing mobility in our state highway system is key to continuing Texas' economic success story. However, we are concerned that using existing lane shoulders would only add to traffic issues in urban areas, and take away the lane that could allow emergency responders to get to the scene of an accident quicker.  We are opposed to HB 1324 in the interests of limited government