Bill would let Uber, Lyft serve riders with disabilities in NJ
By: Gene Myers
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... The state Assembly has voted unanimously to approve a bill allowing New Jerseyans with disabilities to use ride-share companies as an alternative to Access Link, the NJ Transit service that has faced criticism and lawsuits over its performance.
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The bipartisan legislation, A2607, was approved by a 74-0 vote on Tuesday [04/16/2024] and must still win approval from the state Senate and Governor Phil Murphy to become law. It would allow NJ Transit to work with a variety of transportation providers, including taxi services and ride-share providers, currently barred from contracting with the state.
..... "Our most vulnerable residents depend on reliable transportation to get the medical care they need, groceries and life-sustaining services," one of the measure's sponsors, state Assemblyman Michael Inganamont, said in a statement.
..... "All New Jersey residents will limited mobility require more widely accessible service, but it;s especially concerning for those who live in our more rural communities who currently have very few options," said Inganamort, a Republican from Morris County. "This important legislation helps address those needs by expanding NJ Transit's reach through alternate providers."
..... Two Democratic assemblymen, Robert J. Karabinchak and Clinton Calabrese, were cosponsors.
..... Access Link came under scrutiny from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, which reached two settlements with NJ Transit in 2022 requiring the agency to make wide ranging changes, including station improvements, reducing hold times when users call fro assistance, better-on-time performance of pickups, and improving performance tracking.
..... A pilot program that started in 2023 has allowed some Access Link users to use ride-shares and taxis as an alternative, leading to shorter wait times and quicker trips for customers, Iganamort said.
..... The legislation "builds upon the agency's successful pilot program and ensures our seniors and residents with disabilities have the safe,reliable and accessible transportation they deserve moving forward," said Inganamort, whose 24th district covers parts of Sussex, Morris and Warren counties.
..... A companion bill in the state Senate, S360 has been referred to that chamber;s Budget and Appropriations Committee.