Requires DOT to establish paratransit brokerage program to consolidate provision of paratransit services under State Medicaid program and NJT Access Link.
Impact
The bill mandates that operational costs of the paratransit brokerage program be shared between the Department of Human Services and New Jersey Transit, with specific responsibilities assigned to each entity regarding coverage of ADA and Medicaid paratransit services. Furthermore, it requires the DOT to issue requests for proposals for developing the necessary software and for contracting a transportation broker. By consolidating these services, the bill aims to ensure that all eligible individuals have improved access to necessary transportation, while also allowing providers to competitively bid and optimize their service delivery.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2461 requires the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a paratransit brokerage program aimed at consolidating the provision of various paratransit services under the State Medicaid program and the NJ Transit Access Link. The intent behind this bill is to streamline and enhance the efficiency of the current fragmented paratransit services by employing a transportation broker who will manage these services through an interactive brokerage software. This approach is expected to promote cost savings and improve service delivery for individuals requiring ADA paratransit and Medicaid transportation services.
Contention
There are notable points of contention regarding the scope and implementation of the paratransit brokerage program. While supporters argue that this consolidation will result in greater efficiency and better service quality, critics may raise concerns about potential job losses among existing paratransit providers and the quality of service that may emerge from a competitive bidding process. Additionally, the phased approach to possible expansion of services within two years of implementation could also lead to disagreements about the criteria for permitting such expansions. The bill also repeals certain sections of existing laws, which could provoke debates regarding the appropriateness of these changes and their alignment with previous legislation governing paratransit services.
Carry Over
Requires DOT to establish paratransit brokerage program to consolidate provisions of paratransit services under State Medicaid program and NJT Access Link.
Urges U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize and fund existing paratransit transportation networks to transport disabled veterans to and from its New Jersey medical centers.
Establishes a restricted receipt account for RIPTA to fund it operations from sales tax collected from ride-share companies. Exempts the account from indirect cost recovery provisions.
Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies; and provided further, the account would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.