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publisher's perspective We must pay attention to new law I n the last issue I discussed why the industry must begin to prepare for the next authorization bill even though Moving America for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) was just enacted, because it only covers the next two years: the current one and the year after that. However, by no means should we as an industry not pay attention to what is in the new law. On the contrary, many experts believe that how MAP-21 restructures the federal transportation programs will likely remain in place for many years. We must pay attention. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN STORE The new law took effect on Oct. 1, 2012 and expires Sept. 30, 2013. Although it has a short life, its impact is sweeping. Here are just a few of the changes it made: • Elimination of Alternatives Analysis: Now, project sponsors of a New Start or Small Start will apply to enter project development. The FTA will still carefully look at most of the same issues, however. • Enactment of a "100 bus rule" for operations funding: Transit systems in urbanized areas with populations greater than 200,000 may now use part of their formula funding for operating assistance if their system operates 100 or fewer buses in peak service. • A new State of Good Repair Program: This new program, which replaces the previous Fixed Guideway Modernization program, will give out $2.1 billion in each of the two fi scal years 2013 and 2014 to fi xed guideway systems that use a separate right-of-way for exclusive public transportation use. Rail systems, passenger ferries and bus rapid transit systems with a majority of its service in an exclusive lane are included. Funding could be used for a variety of repair and rehab projects, but grant recipients will be required to develop asset management systems. • A new Public Transportation Safety Program: The bill's provisions give the FTA authority to create a national safety plan for all modes of public transportation, to set minimum safety performance standards and to establish a national safety certifi cation training program. There are many other provisions that are important in MAP-21, but these give a good idea of how sweeping the new law changes federal surface transportation policy. There will be many new regulations proposed and fi nalized to implement the new programs, as well as changes to existing programs and policies, so the industry needs to be on the lookout. As one legal expert put it, "this law creates winners and losers, and both need to know who they are." Many of those will be determined by how the implementing regulations will be written and enforced. WATCH THESE PAGES We will do our part by reporting on these proposals as they come about, both on our website as well as in our other online products. Of course, we will carry extensive analysis in the pages of METRO as well. Frank Di Giacomo, Publisher frank.digiacomo@ metro-magazine.com By no means should we as an industry not pay attention to what is new in the law. On the contrary, many experts believe that how MAP- 21 restructures the federal transportation programs will likely remain in place for many years. 126 < mETRO mAGAZINE FACT BOOK 2013 metro-magazine.com