August 19, 2025
Mr. Subramanyam introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct an investigation and study relating to purchasing certain toll roads owned by private entities and transferring ownership of such toll roads to States, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Affordable Commutes Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Investigation of pricing practices on private toll roads
(a) In general
The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct an investigation of the price setting of toll roads owned by private entities, including any instances of price gouging, unfair practices, or unreasonable toll price setting.
(b) Referral of certain unfair practices
In any case in which the Secretary finds any evidence of price gouging, unfair practices, or unreasonable toll price setting pursuant to the investigation under subsection (a), the Secretary shall refer such cases to the Attorney General of the United States and the Federal Trade Commission, as applicable.
Sec. 3. Study on toll roads owned by private entities
The Secretary shall conduct a study on the feasibility and fiscal implications of the Federal Government purchasing toll roads owned by private entities and transferring the ownership of such toll roads to the State in which such roads are located, including—
(1)
whether a change in authority of toll roads from privately-owned to State-owned facilities would benefit consumers, including in the form of lower toll costs;
(2)
the procedural framework necessary for the Federal Government to purchase and transfer private toll roads; and
(3)
any other policies relating to tolling facilities that the Federal Government can pursue to lower costs for commuters.
Sec. 4. Report to Congress
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress a report containing—
(1)
the results of the investigation under section 2;
(2)
the results of the study under section 3; and
(3)
any recommendations to—
(A)
address price gouging, unfair practices, or unreasonable toll price setting; and
(B)
carry out the purchases and transfers described in section 3.