EYEING THE SECTION 18[I] SET-ASIDE

Since its inception in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), the Section 18[i] program has spurred heated debate among community transportation professionals. Some see intercity bus companies stealing funding from already underfunded rural public transportation providers, while others see a vital program designed to connect rural America with metropolitan areas. The original impetus for the program was rapidly declining intercity bus service, which led directly to rural areas becoming disconnected from the nearest metropolitan areas. The article looks at costs vs. benefits, and concludes that there are not enough transportation resources in rural areas, and intercity bus service is a crucial component of providing mobility in those areas.