Pub. L. 102-388, tit. III, sec. 341

Sec. 341. Section 1023 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (Public Law 102–240) is amended by adding a new subsection (h) as follows: “(h) Public Transit Vehicles.— “(1) Temporary exemption.—The second sentence of section 127 of title 23, United States Code, relating to axle weight limitations for vehicles using the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways, shall not apply, for the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to any vehicle which is regularly and exclusively used as an intrastate public agency transit passenger bus. The Secretary may extend such 2-year period for an additional year. “(2) Study.—The Secretary shall conduct a study on the maximum axle weight limitations on the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways established under section 127 of title 23, United States Code, or under State laws, as they apply to public transit vehicles. The study shall determine whether or not public transit vehicles should be exempted from the requirements of section 127 or State laws or if such laws should be modified with regard to public transit vehicles. In making such determination, the Secretary shall consider current transit vehicle design standards, the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Clean Air Act requirements on such design standards, and the potential impact of revised design standards on transit ridership capacity, operating and replacement costs, air quality concerns, and highway wear and tear. 106 STAT. 1553 “(3) Report.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report on the result of the study conducted under paragraph (2), together with recommendations.”.