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Bill

A 2132

Requires paratransit vehicle operators to announce stops for passengers.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 8 co-sponsors

Paratransit operators must announce every scheduled stop, via live or recording system, to improve rider accessibility and trip clarity.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2132

Overview

Aging paratransit services in New Jersey would be required to provide audible announcements of every scheduled stop. The bill, A-2132, aims to improve transparency and accessibility for paratransit riders, including those with vision or cognitive impairments, by ensuring operators announce each stop or use a recording system to do so.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve rider information and trip planning for paratransit customers.
  • Enhance safety and independence for passengers by reducing uncertainty about upcoming stops.
  • Align paratransit operations with ADA expectations for accessible, user-friendly transportation.

Key provisions

  • Definitions:
    • Clarifies terms such as “operator,” “paratransit service,” and the scope of services covered (e.g., Access Link, state and county paratransit programs).
    • Explicitly excludes private or charter taxi, limousine, or transportation-network company services from “paratransit service” for purposes of this act.
  • Stop announcements:
    • Requires an operator of a paratransit vehicle to announce every scheduled stop along the route.
    • Alternatively, the vehicle may use a recording system to announce each stop.
  • Scope:
    • Applies to paratransit services operated by NJ Transit through Access Link, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and county programs under the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Act.

Affected entities

  • Paratransit operators, including:
    • Access Link operators (NJ Transit)
    • Paratransit providers administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development
    • County-run paratransit programs
  • Riders who rely on paratransit for mobility needs, including individuals with disabilities or seniors who benefit from audible stop information.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enactment timing: The act would take effect on the first day of the second month after enactment.
  • Effective date provides a defined rollout window for agencies to implement the stop-announcement requirement, including any necessary equipment upgrades (e.g., public-address systems or recording-capability).

Potential impact

  • Positive:
    • Greater predictability and autonomy for riders.
    • Enhanced accessibility for riders with visual or cognitive impairments.
    • Potential reduction in missed stops and improved trip satisfaction.
  • Operational considerations:
    • Paratransit providers may incur costs to install or upgrade announcement systems if not already in place.
    • Training and compliance monitoring would be needed to ensure consistent implementation.

Notes

  • The bill is sponsored by Assemblymembers Carter, Reynolds-Jackson, and Calabrese, with several co-sponsors.
  • It builds on existing paratransit frameworks and defines the scope of paratransit services to ensure consistent application across programs.

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

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