Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter of Union County has introduced three bills in the New Jersey General Assembly aimed at addressing the issues experienced by passengers with disabilities on NJ Transit’s paratransit and fixed-route bus services. These bills respond directly to concerns raised by disability advocates, NJ Transit riders, and the ACI.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
A-5764
Requires Access Link paratransit vehicle operators to audibly announce stops for passengers
Co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (Mercer County) and Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (Bergen County)
Senate companion (S-4587) was introduced by Senator Angela McKnight (Hudson County)
For more information on the bill, click here.
A-5762
Mandates the creation of the North Jersey Passenger Advisory Committee and the South Jersey Passenger Advisory Committee within NJ Transit
Co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese
No Senate companion at this time
For more information on the bill, click here.
A-5763
Requires NJ Transit operators and contractors to develop a training curriculum covering assistance for passengers with disabilities during emergencies and service interruptions
Co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese
No Senate Companion at this time
For more information on the bill, click here.
Support and Collaboration
ACI extends its gratitude to Assemblywoman Carter, the co-sponsors, and Senator McKnight for their commitment to improving transit accessibility. These legislative initiatives stem from collaborative meetings held in January, which brought together disability advocates, NJ Transit passengers with disabilities, ACI staff, and Assemblywoman Carter’s team. The Assemblywoman is Vice Chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committees. ACI also had meetings with Senator Patrick Diegnan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.
Background
In December, an ACI staff member had a horrific experience when the wheelchair lift of the fixed route bus he was riding in malfunctioned while making its descent. This left him stranded midair in near freezing temperatures for over an hour. This incident, along with other stories collected from passengers with disabilities, galvanized ACI and its partners to advocate for systematic changes at NJ Transit.
How to Get Involved
ACI encourages community members and transit users to follow the progress of these bills and share feedback. Your input can help shape effective policies and ensure NJ Transit meets the needs of all passengers.
Contact
For more information or to learn how you can participate, please contact Luke Koppisch, ACI Deputy Director, at lkoppisch@adacil.org
