Public Transportation Amendments of 1980

Public Transportation Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to purchase buses and related equipment and to make grants for such buses and equipment to States and public bodies for use in public transportation service. Authorizes funds for purchases made under this Act. Directs such purchases to be based upon projections of the needs of such States and public bodies.

Authorizes the Secretary to grant such buses and related equipment to States and local public bodies. Orders such grants to comply with statutory requirements applicable to grants under the Act.

Directs State or local public bodies which receive such grants to provide at least 20 percent of the net project cost in cash or in-kind contributions. Directs that cash shall be returned to the Urban Mass Transportation Fund and shall be available for the purposes of this Act when so provided in an appropriations act. Limits the availability of sums appropriated for specified purposes.

Increases and extends authorization of appropriations for: (1) specified grant and loan programs; (2) administrative costs; (3) construction or operating assistance in urbanized areas; and (4) the purchase of buses and related equipment through fiscal year 1985. Limits the amount of funds which may be used for human resource programs as they apply to public transportation activities.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on authorization requests.

Directs the Secretary to apportion incentive grants to urbanized areas. Sets forth requirements for such incentive grants.

Decreases the Federal grant for the payment of operating expenses of public mass transportation systems.

Redefines the term "fixed guideway" for the purposes of this Act.

Allots to specified States in each fiscal year a specified amount of the sums appropriated for such fiscal years under this Act.

Authorizes the Secretary to establish safety standards for use during the investigation of unsafe conditions in the facilities or operation of a transit system under this Act. Directs the Secretary to require the State, local public body, or agency seeking Federal assistance to submit a plan for correcting such unsafe facility or operation. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold financial assistance to such bodies until such plan is approved or implemented.