Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act

This legislation seeks to address the significant barriers individuals with disabilities face in accessing flexible transportation by fostering the deployment of same-day paratransit services. It recognizes that current regulations often require 24-hour advance scheduling, limiting independence and participation in daily life. The bill aims to modernize paratransit options through financial incentives and technological advancements, acknowledging the proven benefits of same-day services for both riders and transit agencies. To achieve this, the bill amends federal transportation funding programs, specifically sections 5310, 5307, and 5311 of title 49, United States Code. It provides an increased federal cost-share for projects related to same-day paratransit, raising the federal share for capital costs to 90 percent and operating costs to 70 or 80 percent for compliant same-day services. These enhanced funding levels are designed to incentivize transit agencies to adopt and expand same-day paratransit offerings, particularly those using vehicles operated by recipient-employed personnel. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Administrator to establish minimum standards for paratransit software and technologies within one year of enactment. These standards will cover critical areas such as accessibility (e.g., WCAG 2.1), cybersecurity (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001), integration of multiple service providers , real-time route optimization , and data ownership . The Administrator must consult with various stakeholders, including riders with disabilities and transit technology providers, during development, and after these standards are published, federal funds cannot be used to acquire non-compliant software, ensuring future investments are robust and rider-focused.