Federal Aid to Ridesharing Act

Federal Aid to Ridesharing Act - Title I: Declares it the national policy to encourage ridesharing, to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and highways, to reduce demand for gasoline, and to increase transportation opportunities for the handicapped and the elderly.

Title II: Consolidation of Federal Ridesharing Activities - Establishes a National Office of Ridesharing within the Department of Transportation to coordinate Federal programs established by this Act. Requires the transfer of existing programs to the Office. Stipulates that this Act shall terminate on September 30, 1983, and that the Office created by this Act shall be abolished on that date.

Title III: Planning, Technical, Studies, Research and Demonstration - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish procedures and guidelines for the development and implementation of State ridesharing plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the development and implementation of qualified State plans. Authorizes Federal grants for technical studies and research projects.

Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate transportation components of various Federal social service programs. Requires the development of a plan to coordinate such transportation components by September 30, 1979.

Title IV: Ridesharing Programs, Grants, Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to assist States and designated recipients in developing specific ridesharing programs and projects. Requires that opportunity for public hearings be extended to persons with a significant economic, social, or environmental interest in proposed projects.

Title V: General Provisions - Requires annual reports from the Secretary to the President and the Congress. Establishes additional criteria for submission and approval of surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates for proposed projects.

Authorizes appropriations from the highway trust fund for programs authorized by this Act.