NJ bill would allow Uber, Lyft to offer alternative to Access Link paratransit service
The state Assembly has voted unanimously to approve a bill allowing New Jerseyans with disabilities to use rideshare companies as an alternative to Access Link, the NJ Transit service that has faced criticism and lawsuits over its performance.
The bipartisan legislation, A2607, was approved by a 74-0 vote on Tuesday and must still win approval from the state Senate and Gov. Phil Murphy to become law. It would allow NJ Transit to work with a variety of transportation providers, including taxi services and rideshare 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 Inganamort, said in a statement.
“All New Jersey residents with 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 pilot program
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 for 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 rideshares and taxis as an alternative, leading to shorter wait times and quicker trips for customers, Inganamort 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.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ bill would let Uber, Lyft be Access Link alternatives
