WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 8128

Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act

119th Congress Introduced by Tim Kennedy and 2 co-sponsors

Promotes same-day paratransit by boosting funding for compliant projects and mandating interoperable, secure software standards across providers.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8128

Summary of HR 8128 (Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act)

Jurisdiction: United States | Session: 119th Congress | Introduced: March 26, 2026

Purpose and intent

  • To spur broader deployment of same-day paratransit services for individuals with disabilities.
  • To establish minimum standards for paratransit software and technology.
  • To modernize federal funding mechanisms to encourage transit agencies to offer flexible, same-day paratransit options and to support technological integration across providers.

Key provisions

1) Findings and policy rationale

  • Emphasizes mobility access as essential for independence and equity.
  • Highlights barriers to mobility for about 18.6 million Americans with travel-limiting disabilities.
  • Points to the ADA's next-day paratransit requirement as limiting flexibility for riders.
  • Cites demonstrated efficiency gains from same-day paratransit (e.g., MBTA’s RIDE Flex: trips up 53%, operating spend down 6% over 3 years).
  • Supports using modern technology (dynamic trip matching, real-time routing, multi-provider integration) to enable same-day service.

2) Access and Paratransit Funding Reforms (Sections 3)

Amends several core federal transportation funding programs to favor same-day paratransit:

  • Section 5310 (Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities)

    • Capital grants for same-day paratransit projects may receive up to 90% of net capital costs.
    • Operating grants may cover up to:
    • 50% of net operating costs (general cap),
    • 70% if meeting minimum standards for same-day service,
    • 80% if meeting minimum standards and using vehicles operated exclusively by recipient personnel.

  • Urbanized Area Formula Grants (Section 5307)

    • Similar 90% cap for capital costs related to same-day paratransit.
    • Operating grant limits parallel those under 5310 (50%, 70%, or 80% with exclusive staff and standards).

  • Rural Area Formula Grants (Section 5311)

    • Mirrors capital and operating caps: 90% for capital costs; operating assistance options at 50%, 70%, or 80% (with exclusive personnel) plus an exception for certain States regarding government share.

3) Paratransit Software and Technology Minimum Standards (Section 4)

  • Establishes a new, enforceable set of minimum standards for paratransit software and technology (added to 5310).
  • Key standards considerations to be included:
    • Accessibility: adherence to WCAG 2.1 (and updates).
    • Cybersecurity: SOC 2, ISO 27001, etc.
    • Cloud storage governance: U.S.-located data storage.
    • Inter-provider integration: API-based data exchange across paratransit, taxis, TNCs; ability to move trips between providers.
    • Real-time routing and dynamic trip scheduling; utilization of extra capacity for same-day service.
    • Digital booking interfaces that integrate multiple providers.
    • Data sharing and agency portals with an open API while protecting rider PII.
    • Data ownership: recipient-owned data, with protections against withholding access.
    • Future-proofing to accommodate evolving technology and operations.
  • Stakeholder consultation requirements, involving riders, disability organizations, US Access Board, labor groups, technology providers, and cybersecurity experts.
  • Compliance timelines:
    • Not later than 1 year after final standards: Administrator to issue minimum standards.
    • Not later than 2 years after final standards: certain Federal funds (e.g., under 5311) may not be used for non-compliant third-party software.
    • Beginning not later than 1 year after final standards: apply to 5307/5310.
    • Beginning not later than 2 years after final standards: apply to 5311 for rural funds.

Who would be affected

  • Federal transit agencies and recipients of 5307, 5310, and 5311 funding.
  • Paratransit riders with disabilities who would gain access to same-day services and more flexible booking options.
  • Paratransit service providers, including transit agencies, private operators, taxis, and transportation network companies (TNCs) that participate in paratransit networks.
  • Software and technology vendors providing paratransit platforms, who would need to meet the new minimum standards.
  • Federal and local governments due to data-sharing provisions and open API requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Bill proposes new minimum standards to be issued within 1 year of enactment and fully implemented over a 2-year horizon for funding eligibility and compliance.
  • Adds explicit funding caps and requirements tied to meeting minimum standards.
  • Requires broad stakeholder consultation during standard-setting.

Bottom line

HR 8128 seeks to modernize paratransit by promoting same-day service, expanding funding support with higher federal cost shares for compliant capital and operating projects, and mandating robust, interoperable software standards focused on accessibility, security, data ownership, and cross-provider integration. The measure aims to enhance mobility options for people with disabilities while encouraging efficiency and innovation in paratransit operations.

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

Sign in to ask a question.