The Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act aims to expand flexible transportation options for people with disabilities by encouraging transit agencies to offer same-day paratransit services instead of requiring 24-hour advance scheduling. The bill affects approximately 18.6 million Americans with travel-limiting disabilities and increases federal funding support for these services, offering up to 90 percent coverage for capital projects and up to 80 percent for operating costs when agencies meet the bill's standards. The legislation requires the Federal Transit Administration to establish minimum technology standards for paratransit software within one year, covering accessibility, cybersecurity, data ownership, and the ability to integrate multiple service providers like taxis and rideshare companies. Transit agencies receiving federal grants must comply with these standards starting one year after publication for urbanized and special needs programs, and two years later for rural programs. The bill is based on findings that current ADA paratransit rules create barriers to employment, education, and community participation, and evidence that same-day services can increase ridership while reducing operational costs.
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