Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act

Bill Number: H.R. 8128
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-03-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Last Updated: 2026-06-03T08:09:08Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act (H.R. 8128) aims to encourage wider use of same-day paratransit services—door-to-door rides for people with disabilities who cannot use regular buses or trains—for greater flexibility and independence. It also sets minimum standards for paratransit software and technology to ensure reliability, accessibility, and efficiency.

Key Provisions

Increased Federal Funding for Same-Day Services:
Amends federal grant programs for urban (Section 5307), enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities (Section 5310), and rural areas (Section 5311).
Capital projects (e.g., buying vehicles or equipment) for same-day paratransit get a 90% federal share (up from standard lower rates).
Operating costs (e.g., driver wages, fuel) get 70% federal share for compliant same-day services, or 80% if using only the agency's own employees and vehicles.
Minimum Standards for Paratransit Technology (new Section 5310(j)):
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) must issue standards within 1 year of enactment.
Standards cover: app accessibility (e.g., Web Content Accessibility Guidelines or WCAG), cybersecurity (e.g., SOC 2 and ISO 27001), U.S.-based data storage, integration of taxis/rideshares via APIs, real-time routing, digital booking, data sharing (with privacy protections), and agency data ownership.
Developed with input from transit agencies, disability groups, workers, tech providers, and experts.
Bans use of non-compliant third-party software for federal funds: after 1 year for urban/enhanced programs, 2 years for rural.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Modifies federal matching fund rates in 49 U.S.C. §§ 5307, 5310, and 5311 to prioritize same-day paratransit (previously standard 50% or less; no prior incentives for same-day).
Adds entirely new requirements for paratransit software standards and fund restrictions, building on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules that only mandate next-day scheduling.
No changes to ADA eligibility or core paratransit mandates.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Transit agencies gain financial incentives to adopt tech-driven same-day services, potentially lowering costs (e.g., via examples like MBTA's 53% trip increase and 6% spend drop). FTA must create and enforce standards.
Citizens: Improves access for ~18.6 million with travel-limiting disabilities, reducing isolation, aiding jobs/education/healthcare; especially benefits aging population (1 in 4 Americans 65+ by 2060).
International Relations: None.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Primary Beneficiaries: People with disabilities relying on paratransit.
Transit Agencies and Providers: Urban/rural operators, contractors, taxis, rideshares (e.g., Uber/Lyft).
Government Entities: FTA, state/local transit authorities, metropolitan planning organizations.
Others: Disability advocacy groups, labor unions for transit workers, tech/cybersecurity firms.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Enhances ADA implementation without altering eligibility; enforces data ownership/privacy, potentially reducing vendor lock-in risks.
Constitutional: None identified; aligns with federal spending power for interstate commerce and disability equity.
Political: Promotes tech innovation in public transit using existing formula funds; highlights disability employment gaps (10% unemployment) and demographic shifts, with proven pilots as evidence.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]

Recent Actions

2026-03-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
2026-03-26: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2026-03-26: Introduced in House
2026-03-26: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Same-Day Paratransit Innovation Act — issued 2026-03-26 — PDF (12 pages)