NJ TRANSIT SEEKS LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PARTNERS TO ENHANCE ACCESS LINK SERVICE

Eligible Organizations Can Learn More At Upcoming Hybrid Informational Session On June 8

May 25, 2023

NEWARK, NJ- In an effort to further enhance Access Link service, NJ TRANSIT is seeking to partner with local eligible transportation organizations in a pilot program to explore the possibility of those organizations providing select trips, in accordance with the state's paratransit improvement act (S2517). Under the pilot program, one eligible transportation organization from each of the six Access Link regions will be selected to receive upgraded technology and training to potentially serve recurring trips currently provided by Access Link. The goal of the pilot program is to further improve on-time performance and reliability for all Access Link customers.

"Exploring new and innovative ways to provide reliable transportation for our state's most transit-dependent communities is critical," said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. "This initiative will study new ways to expand options for Access Link customers, improve the customer experience and maximize the use of resources."

"Building on the momentum of our new pilot partnerships with Uber and Lyft, NJ TRANSIT seeks to continue expanding options for Access Link customers to improve on-time performance and the customer experience," said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. "Advancing this pilot program is yet another innovative and strategic partnership opportunity to meet the mobility needs of our state's most vulnerable residents."

Eligible transportation organizations must meet the following requirements.

• In service and operating for a minimum of 5 years.
• A fleet of at least five operable vehicles that are wheelchair accessible and lift equipped.
• Able to successfully perform at least 10 recurring (subscription) trips per day.
• Proven experience with customers with disabilities, specifically intellectual disabilities.
• Operate within the current Access Link service area.

Eligible organizations are invited to learn more about the program by attending a hybrid informational session on June 8, 2023, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be conducted both virtually and in-person at NJ TRANSIT's Headquarters at 2 Penn Plaza Newark, NJ in conference room 10A.

Please click hereto register for the information session.

As part of the requirements of the paratransit improvement act, the six selected organizations participating in the pilot program will be eligible for the following technology and training initiatives:

• An integrated paratransit software package that includes trip generation and scheduling, GPS directions for drivers, a mobile application for users that allows for trip requests, confirmation of trip requests and trip status updates, and a trip accounting system.
• A driver safety system that includes dashboard cameras, incident monitoring and driver training.
• Assistance in hiring staff, if necessary, to fully implement the transportation system and train existing staff in the use of new technologies and business processes.
• A curriculum that educates agencies about fleet management and specialized driver training for the needs of paratransit users.
• Personalized agency culture training.
• Agency training on how to develop synergies between optimal transportation practices and the other programmatic needs of paratransit providers who provide transportation trips funded by the Department of Human Services.

Access Link is NJ TRANSIT's American with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit program established to provide public transportation to people with disabilities who are unable to utilize local bus services. The area covered by Access Link is comparable to NJ TRANSIT's Local Fixed Route bus system. The service can be used to travel to any destination - for any reason - as long as the origin and destination are within the Access Link service area. Because Access Link is a "shared ride" service, other customers may be picked up during a scheduled ride if their location is on the way to the requested destination.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia

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