What does Preamble of Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To foster greater deployment of same-day paratransit services for individuals with disabilities and to establish minimum standards for paratransit technology, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act do?

This section outlines findings related to mobility access for individuals with disabilities. It highlights that approximately 18.6 million Americans with travel-limiting disabilities rely on paratransit services. A significant portion of young adults with disabilities report being held back from activities due to transportation limitations, leading to feelings of isolation. The aging population is projected to increase demand for paratransit services. Current ADA regulations require paratransit to operate on a next-day basis, limiting flexibility for riders. Technological advancements now enable transit agencies to offer same-day paratransit services. The Federal Transit Administration has encouraged the adoption of same-day paratransit. Same-day paratransit has demonstrated potential for improved transit agency efficiency, as seen in the MBTA's RIDE Flex program. Congress recognizes the need to modernize and expand same-day paratransit options through formula funding.

What does ACCESSIBILITY INNOVATION SAME-DAY PARATRANSIT. of Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act do?

This section amends sections 5310, 5307, and 5311 of title 49, United States Code, related to formula grants. It modifies the funding percentages for capital projects directly related to the provision of same-day paratransit services, increasing the grant amount to 90 percent of net capital costs as determined by the Secretary. The section also adjusts the operating assistance grant percentages for projects providing same-day paratransit services, with higher percentages available for projects meeting minimum standards established by the Administrator. For operating assistance, grants may not exceed 50 percent of net operating costs, 70 percent for compliance with standards, or 80 percent if using exclusively recipient-employed personnel. A specific exception is provided for States described in section 120(b) of title 23, allowing them to receive a higher Government share (62.5 percent) of net operating costs.

What does PARATRANSIT SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGY MINIMUM STANDARDS. of Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act do?

This section amends Section 5310 of Title 49, United States Code, by adding a subsection regarding paratransit software minimum standards. The Administrator is required to issue minimum standards for ADA paratransit software and technologies within one year of the Act's enactment. The Administrator will consider factors such as accessibility (WCAG 2.1), cybersecurity (SOC 2, ISO 27001), data storage in the U.S., and integration of multiple service providers when developing these standards. The standards should address real-time route optimization, digital booking interfaces, data sharing, and data ownership by the recipient. The Administrator must consult with various stakeholders, including transit agencies, riders with disabilities, the Access Board, labor organizations, technology providers, and cybersecurity experts, during the standard development process. Funds under sections 5307 and 5310 cannot be used to acquire software that doesn't meet the standards after one year of final standards publication. Funds under section 5311 cannot be used to acquire software that doesn't meet the standards after two years of final standards publication.

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Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Lateefah Simon (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill increases federal funding for transit agencies implementing same-day paratransit services through adjustments to formula grant percentages for both capital and operating costs.
The bill requires the Federal Transit Administration to establish minimum standards for paratransit software and technology, considering factors like accessibility, cybersecurity, and data management.
Transit agencies will be prohibited from using federal funds to acquire paratransit software that does not meet these established minimum standards after specified timelines.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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