H.R. 5922: Improving Accessibility Through Microtransit Act

The Improving Accessibility Through Microtransit Act is a bill that aims to enhance the availability of microtransit services for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments. Here are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of a Pilot Program

The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to create a pilot program for providing competitive grants to eligible entities, which may include state and local governments, tribal organizations, and metropolitan planning organizations. This program is intended to improve microtransit services specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility for Grants

To be eligible for a grant, covered entities must submit an application that includes information about:

• The disabilities or mobility impairments of individuals they plan to serve.
• The geographic area where services will be provided.
• Any additional information required by the Secretary.

Entities may apply individually or as part of a public-private partnership.

Criteria for Selection

When selecting grant recipients, the Secretary will use established criteria and prioritize applications based on:

• Demonstrated accessibility improvements for individuals with disabilities.
• Addressing existing service gaps in the proposed geographic areas.
• Potential economic benefits, such as job access and local development.
• Use of funds for wheelchair-accessible vehicles and applications.
• Ensuring services are accessible for low-income individuals without smartphone or credit card access.
• Implementing advanced transit technologies.
• Directly hiring workers to provide microtransit services.

Grant Amount and Usage

The maximum amount for any single grant under this program is limited to $3,000,000. Grant funds can be used for various purposes, including:

• Purchasing or leasing accessible vehicles.
• Driver training and continuing education.
• Contracting for operational activities related to microtransit.
• Acquiring software to facilitate microtransit services.
• Any other uses that enhance accessibility or availability of services for individuals with disabilities.

Camera System Requirement

Recipients of grant funds must install and maintain an interior camera system in their vehicles to record passengers and drivers. The recordings must be tamper-resistant and retained for at least 30 days, but access to these recordings will be restricted to authorized personnel and law enforcement under lawful requests.

Labor Standards

The bill mandates that labor requirements outlined in existing transportation laws (specifically section 5333 of title 49, U.S. Code) must apply to any projects funded through this pilot program.

Authorization of Funds

The bill authorizes $20,000,000 for the implementation of this pilot program, with funds available until the program is terminated five years after it begins.

Definitions

The bill includes definitions for key terms such as:

• Covered entity: Includes state and local governments, tribal organizations, or metropolitan planning organizations.
• Covered vehicle: Refers to accessible multi-passenger vehicles designed for individuals with disabilities.
• Microtransit service: A technology-enabled, on-demand service using a managed fleet of dedicated vehicles.

Relevant Companies

None found