Benson Bill to Create ‘NJ Council on Access and Mobility’ Clears Assembly Panel

          (TRENTON) – Legislation to establish a council to study and make recommendations for how to improve public transportation for seniors and people with disabilities was approved Monday by the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.

          Under the bill (A-3827) sponsored by Assemblyman Daniel Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex), chairman of the committee, the New Jersey Council on Access and Mobility would assess transportation services at all levels, analyze available federal funding programs, coordinate transportation services and make recommendations for improvement through legislative or executive action.

          Assemblyman Benson released the following statement:

          “For seniors and disabled residents, access to transportation means access to independence and opportunity. There is a wide variety of paratransit services available at the state, county and municipal levels, as well as through NJ TRANSIT, but there’s more we can do to ensure these programs are maximizing federal funding and coordinating resources to help all of our most vulnerable.

“The work of this council will ensure we make paratransit more efficient and accessible, and enhance transportation equity in New Jersey.”