Federal Public Transportation Act of 1980

Federal Public Transportation Act of 1980 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the appropriate committees of Congress prior to July 1, 1980 an interim allocation plan for the modernization or rehabilitation of rail mass transportation facilities and equipment. Directs the Secretary to submit a final allocation plan for such modernization and rehabilitation prior to January 1, 1982 to become final unless disapproved by the committees.

Authorizes the Secretary to purchase equipment for use in public transportation service. Directs the Secretary to transfer the ownership of such equipment to States or local public bodies. Requires the public bodies receiving such equipment to provide at least 20 percent of the net project costs.

Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of such Act through fiscal year 1985.

Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate committees of Congress 30 days prior to announcing an intention to obligate for a project.

Sets forth the formula the Secretary shall use in apportioning funds available in a fiscal year for making grants for the purchase of buses and related equipment and facilities.

Directs the Secretary to investigate unsafe conditions in any transit system financed under this Act. Directs the Secretary to require States or local public agencies to submit a plan for correcting such unsafe conditions. Permits the Secretary to withhold financial assistance under this Act until such plan is approved or implemented. Authorizes the Secretary to establish safety criteria and standards for such investigations.

Requires any commuter rail passenger service which is operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to continue through fiscal year 1985 to be operated and funded as it was on January 1, 1980. Authorizes appropriations for the payment of the operating and capital expenses of such service for fiscal years 1981 through 1985.