Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act

Key Points

• Current federal law only requires paratransit agencies to offer next-day service, forcing people with disabilities to plan every trip at least 24 hours ahead. This bill pushes agencies to offer same-day rides so people can respond to last-minute needs like doctor visits, job interviews, or social events.
• To make same-day service affordable for transit agencies, the bill significantly increases the federal share of costs. The government would cover 90% of capital costs for same-day paratransit projects, and up to 70% or 80% of operating costs depending on whether the agency uses its own employees to run the service.
• The bill creates new minimum technology standards for paratransit software, covering accessibility (WCAG 2.1 compliance), cybersecurity (SOC 2 and ISO 27001), U.S.-based data storage, and integration of multiple transportation providers like taxis and ride-hail companies into one booking system.
• Transit agencies that receive federal formula funding would eventually be banned from buying paratransit software that does not meet the new standards. Urban agencies face a 1-year deadline and rural agencies get 2 years after standards are finalized.
• An estimated 18.6 million Americans have travel-limiting disabilities, and more than 80% of young adults with disabilities surveyed said lack of transportation holds them back. The bill aims to reduce isolation and improve access to jobs, healthcare, and community life.

Votes

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Related Bills

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