TRENTON – Gov. Phil Murphy Aug. 12 signed legislation (S362 and A2456) to further strengthen New Jersey Transit’s paratransit services for individuals with disabilities.
“We know that Access Link serves as a critical transportation resource for New Jerseyans with disabilities, who deserve reliable, efficient transit services,” stated Murphy. “These improvements will further strengthen our public transportation network to ensure New Jersey’s Access Link riders have a more equitable experience.”
According to a release, S362 would require New Jersey Transit’s Access Link services to operate during a state of emergency if it is determined it can be done safely.
A2456 would require a person eligible for Access Link service to be issued an ID card for reduced fares at the same time that New Jersey Transit determines Access Link service eligibility.
Currently, customers who have been certified as needing to use Access Link paratransit service must apply separately if they want to use regular New Jersey Transit services at the discounted rate for those with disabilities. Under the bill, if an individual is determined to be eligible for Access Link prior to the effective date, they would be issued an ID card within 60 days after the bill’s effective date or immediately upon the eligible person’s request.
Primary Sponsors of S362 include Sen. Joe Cryan (D-20th), and Assemblymembers Roy Freiman (D-16th), Carol Murphy (D-7th), and Christopher Tully (D-38th).
“People with disabilities rely on Access Link for their basic transportation needs,” stated Cryan. “During emergencies, their reliance on this service is even more important. Access Link has proven to be a real success in serving a vital service for those who need it most. It will now be maintained in emergency conditions so those with disabilities are not left to fend for themselves.”
In a joint statement, Assembly members Freiman, Murphy, and Tully said:
“Many rely on Access Link to be able to travel to work, day programs and to medical appointments or the hospital – even under a state of emergency. With this new law, all riders will be able to access transit services during a state of emergency, including those with disabilities.”
Primary Sponsors of A2456 include Assembly members Daniel Benson (D-14th), Carol Murphy, Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37th), and Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-22nd).
In a joint statement, Assembly members Benson, Murphy, and Vainieri Huttle said:
Access Link serves our most vulnerable, including seniors and people with disabilities who would otherwise have difficulty using public transportation. Access Link riders usually are also eligible for New Jersey Transit’s reduced fare program and may not realize it. There’s currently no coordination between these two programs, so riders often miss out. By linking the programs together so that recipients receive their ID card when they enroll in Access Link, we can ensure more people will take advantage of this important program.”
“Many individuals who utilize Access Link’s services are living on fixed incomes,” stated Scutari. “This piece of legislation allows riders to travel on bus and rail at a greatly discounted rate, greatly benefitting riders with disabilities who rely on public transportation as their main source of mobility.”
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Do you think it's appropriate for BLM to call for "Burning down the city" and "Black Vigilantes" because…
