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Bill

S 3786

Requires paratransit vehicle operators to announce stops for passengers.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Corrado and 2 co-sponsors

S 3786 requires Access Link paratransit operators to announce every scheduled stop, improving rider accessibility and consistency with fixed-route ADA requirements.

Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · S 3786

Overview

Bill S 3786 (Session 222, New Jersey) would require operators of Access Link paratransit vehicles to announce each scheduled stop along their route, either verbally or via a recording system. The measure complements existing requirements that apply to fixed-route transportation by extending stop announcements to paratransit services.

Purpose and Intent

  • Ensure accessibility and predictability for passengers using Access Link paratransit services.
  • Align paratransit practices with the longstanding requirement for fixed-route systems to announce stops, addressing a gap where Access Link operators were not required to make such announcements.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions:
    • Access Link: Paratransit service provided by the New Jersey Transit Corporation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related regulations.
    • Operator: An individual actively operating an Access Link vehicle.
  • Stop Announcements Requirement:
    • An Access Link vehicle operator must announce, or ensure an announcement is made by a recording system, every scheduled stop on the vehicle’s route.
  • Effective Date:
    • The act would take effect on the first day of the second month following enactment.

Affected Entities and Stakeholders

  • Primary: Operators of Access Link paratransit vehicles (and their employers/contractors).
  • Passengers: Individuals using Access Link services who rely on stop announcements for navigation and accessibility.
  • New Jersey Transit Corporation: Responsible for implementing and enforcing the requirement within Access Link operations.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Legislative History:
    • Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee (March 5, 2026).
    • Reported from the Senate Committee with amendments and advanced to 2nd Reading (June 1, 2026).
  • Enactment and Implementation:
    • The bill becomes law on the first day of the second month after enactment.
    • Specifies that announcements can be delivered by the operator or via a recording system.

Potential Impacts

  • Accessibility: Improves information availability for riders, potentially increasing independence and reliability for passengers with visual or cognitive impairments.
  • Operations: May require Access Link operators or contractors to ensure reliable stop announcements, and may necessitate updates to recording systems or driver duties.
  • Compliance and Oversight: New Jersey Transit would monitor adherence and could address any operational challenges or rider feedback related to announcements.

Summary

S 3786 would close a gap between fixed-route and paratransit services by mandating that Access Link operators announce all scheduled stops. The measure emphasizes accessibility, clear communication for riders, and consistency with ADA obligations. The implementation date is determined by enactment timing, with a compliance expectation beginning on the first day of the second month after enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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