Federal Register #FTA-2024-0018

FTA Supplemental Notice: Proposed Buy America Waiver for Minibuses

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), part of the Department of Transportation, is seeking public comment on a proposed Buy America waiver for certain minibuses. - The waiver was initially limited to battery-electric minibuses, but FTA is now considering removing the battery-electric propulsion requirement. - Applies to vehicles with: - Low-floor entry - Unibody or monocoque construction - Gross vehicle weight rating under 11,794 kg (26,001 pounds) - Designed to transport fewer than 16 seated passengers including the driver - Karsan Otomotiv Sanayii ve Ticaret A.S. (OEM) is referenced, specifically its E-Jest battery-electric minibus, distributed in the U.S. by Damera Corporation. - Waiver would require U.S. final assembly after two years and expire after three years or upon the availability of a Buy America-compliant vehicle. - FTA requests information about domestic vehicles meeting these specifications and their Buy America compliance. - Unique requirement: Vehicles must be assembled in the U.S. after two years, and the waiver is temporary, expiring after three years or when a compliant vehicle is available.

Description

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published a supplemental notice regarding a proposed Buy America waiver for certain minibuses. The waiver initially applied to battery-electric minibuses, but FTA is now seeking comments on removing the battery-electric propulsion requirement. The waiver would apply to vehicles with low-floor entry, unibody construction, a gross vehicle weight rating under 11,794 kg, and designed to transport fewer than 16 seated passengers. Comments are due by September 2, 2026.

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