Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 96 Part 1.djvu/1144

 96 STAT. 1102

PUBLIC LAW 97-261—SEPT. 20, 1982

Public Law 97-261 97th Congress An Act Sept. 20, 1982 [H.R. 3663] Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982 49 USC 10101 note. 49 USC 10101 note.

To amend subtitle IV of title 49, United States Code, to provide for more effective regulation of motor carriers of passengers.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the "Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982". PURPOSE OF THE ACT

SEC. 2. This Act is part of the continuing effort by Congress to reduce unnecessary and burdensome Government regulation. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS

49 USC 10101 note.

SEC. 3. The Congress hereby finds that a safe, sound, competitive, and fuel-efficient motor bus system contributes to the maintenance of a strong national economy and a strong national defense and is vital to the transportation needs of the elderly, handicapped, and the poor; that the statutes governing Federal regulation of the motor bus industry are outdated and must be revised to reflect the future transportation needs and realities; that historically the existing Federal and State regulatory structure has tended in certain circumstances to inhibit market entry, carrier growth, maximum utilization of equipment and energy resources, and opportunities for minorities and others to enter the motor bus industry; that State regulation of the motor bus industry has, in certain circumstances, unreasonably burdened interstate commerce; that overly protective regulation has resulted in operating inefficiencies and diminished price and service competition in the motor bus industry; that the objectives contained in the national transportation policy can best be achieved through greater competition and reduced regulation; that in order to reduce the uncertainty felt by the Nation's motor bus industry and those persons and communities that rely on its services, the Interstate Commerce Commission should be given explicit direction for reduced regulation of the motor bus industry and should do everything within its power to promote competition in the motor bus industry; and that legislative and resulting changes should be implemented without unnecessary disruption to the transportation system consistent with the scope of the reforms enacted. CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT

Hearings. 49 USC 10101 note.

SEC. 4. The appropriate authorizing committees of Congress shall conduct periodic oversight hearings on the effects of this legislation, not less than annually until July 1, 1985, to ensure that this Act is being implemented according to congressional intent and purpose.

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