House Passes Cohen Paratransit Amendment to Highway Bill

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The House of Representatives today approved an amendment to H.R. 22, the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act (surface transportation bill) offered by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), and Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) to provide local transit systems increased flexibility to enhance and improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services. Under current law, local transit systems may use up to 10 percent of their federal formula funds for paratransit services to provide critical mobility options for people with disabilities. The Cohen-LoBiondo-Langevin amendment would increase the amount of federal formula funds local transit systems may use for this purpose to 20 percent if the systems are able to develop innovative practices that would improve service for persons with disabilities, such wheelchair lifts and specialized training for paratransit personnel. Additionally, the amendment will increase opportunities and independence of people with disabilities by promoting access to employment centers.

“Our amendment is designed to encourage local transit agencies like Memphis Area Transit Authority’s MATAplus service to ensure their systems are safely and effectively supporting the mobility of people with disabilities,” said Congressman Cohen. “With an aging population and more wounded warriors coming home, Americans are becoming increasingly dependent on paratransit services. We have a responsibility to our veterans and to all those who suffer from disabilities to facilitate their mobility so as to make their lives more complete.”