Prohibits surcharge on transportation network company riders for certain paratransit service.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese

Prohibits TNCs from charging riders a surcharge on paratransit-related trips, making eligible paratransit transportation more affordable.

Summary of Bill A-5151 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

Prohibits transportation network company (TNC) riders from being charged a surcharge for certain paratransit-related services.

Aims to make paratransit accessibility more affordable by removing additional rider fees when using TNC platforms for eligible paratransit transportation needs.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition on surcharges: The bill would bar TNCs from imposing a surcharge on riders for paratransit-related trips that fall within the defined scope of the bill.

Scope of paratransit services: The provisions apply to transportation services that are recognized as paratransit or closely related services under New Jersey transportation accessibility policies. (Note: the bill text would specify the exact definitions and eligibility criteria for paratransit trips; the summary reflects the generalized scope.)

Enforcement and compliance: The bill would establish mechanisms to ensure TNCs conform to the prohibition, potentially including penalties or remedies for violations as defined in the bill or existing enforcement authorities.

Preemption and consistency: If applicable, the bill would address how the paratransit surcharge prohibition interacts with other state or local rules governing TNC pricing and accessibility requirements.

What would be affected

Transportation network companies (e.g., platforms that connect riders with drivers for on-demand transportation) operating in New Jersey.

Riders who use TNCs for eligible paratransit-related trips, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Paratransit service providers and related accessibility programs that coordinate with TNCs for eligible trips.

Timeline and procedural notes

The bill is introduced in the New Jersey Legislature in Session 222 with Co-sponsor involvement (Clinton Calabrese).

As with typical bills, subject to committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor votes before becoming law. Final enactment would include signature by the Governor or legislative override procedures if necessary.

Effective date: The bill text would specify when the prohibition takes effect after enactment (often a defined number of days post-enactment).

Potential impact considerations

Financial: Riders could see reduced costs on eligible paratransit trips if surcharges are currently applied.

Access and equity: The measure could improve affordability and access to transportation for individuals relying on paratransit services.

Compliance burden: TNCs may need to adjust pricing systems and rider communications to ensure compliance.

Operational definitions: The exact scope of “paratransit” eligibility and how trips are classified will influence which riders and services are protected.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact bill language to map each provision to specific statutory definitions and provide a line-by-line breakdown.