; or (B) to limit the use of mobile voting centers. (b) Limiting variations on number of hours of operation of polling places within a State (1) Limitation (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and paragraph (2), each State shall establish hours of operation for all polling places in the State on the date of any election for Federal office held in the State such that the polling place with the greatest number of hours of operation on such date is not in operation for more than 2 hours longer than the polling place with the fewest number of hours of operation on such date. (B) Permitting variance on basis of population Subparagraph (A) does not apply to the extent that the State establishes variations in the hours of operation of polling places on the basis of the overall population or the voting age population (as the State may select) of the unit of local government in which such polling places are located. (2) Exceptions for polling places with hours established by units of local government Paragraph (1) does not apply in the case of a polling place— (A) whose hours of operation are established, in accordance with State law, by the unit of local government in which the polling place is located; or (B) which is required pursuant to an order by a court to extend its hours of operation beyond the hours otherwise established. (c) Ensuring access to polling places for voters (1) Proximity to public transportation To the greatest extent practicable, each State and jurisdiction shall ensure that each polling place used on the date of the election is located within walking distance of a stop on a public transportation route. (2) Availability in rural areas In the case of a jurisdiction that includes a rural area, the State or jurisdiction shall— (A) ensure that an appropriate number of polling places (not less than one) used on the date of the election will be located in such rural areas