[NFBNJ] Important: Two New Jersey laws recently signed by Governor Murphy affecting Access Link Clients

[joe ruffalo]

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Please review and share with others.
Joe

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Joe Ruffalo, President
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From: Linda Melendez
Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2020 12:08 AM
To: Joseph Ruffalo
Subject: Important: Two New Jersey laws recently signed by Governor Murphy 
affecting Access Link Clients

Greetings Joe:




Can you please distribute to our NFBNJ listserv two  important New Jersey 
laws affecting Access Link Clients.




Item 1:  Scutari-Cryan Bill Reducing Access Link Fares Now Law




Items 2:  Cryan Bill Maintaining Transit Service for Disabled During a 
‘State of Emergency’ Now Law




Respectively,
Linda Melendez, Chair National Federation of the Blind Transit Committee
732-421-7063
lindamelendez220 at gmail.com







****
Scutari-Cryan Bill Reducing Access Link Fares Now Law

Trenton – Legislation authored by Senator Nicholas Scutari and Senator Joe 
Cryan that will reduce fares for NJ Transit Access Link riders was enacted 
into law by Governor Phil Murphy.



“Many individuals who utilize Access Link’s services are living on fixed 
incomes, said Senator Scutari (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). “This law allows 
riders to travel on bus and rail at a greatly discounted rate, greatly 
benefiting riders with disabilities who rely on public transportation as 
their main source of mobility.”



The law, S-1563, will automatically enroll individuals determined eligible 
for NJ Transit Access Link services into a reduced fare program applicable 
for all of NJ Transit’s bus, train, and light rail services. It will require 
NJ Transit to issue an identification card for reduced fare eligibility to 
Access Link riders.



“Access Link riders depend on public transportation for their essential 
travel needs, and this law will help many riders with disabilities, 
including disabled veterans, to save money every time they ride,” said 
Senator Cryan (D-Union).



Access Link is a paratransit service established by NJ Transit to provide 
public transportation to people with disabilities who are unable to use the 
local bus service according to the American with Disabilities Act.



****


Cryan Bill Maintaining Transit Service for Disabled During a ‘State of 
Emergency’ Now Law



Trenton– The paratransit services for the disabled will be maintained during 
any “state of emergency” under legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Cryan 
that was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.



The law, S-362, requires New Jersey Transit to operate its Access Link 
service in any area of the state under a state of emergency, as long as it 
doesn’t pose an undue risk to drivers or passengers.



“People with disabilities rely on Access Link for their basic transportation 
needs,” said Senator Cryan. “During emergencies, their reliance on this 
service is even more important. Access Link has proven to be a real success 
in serving a vital service for those who need it most. It will now be 
maintained in emergency conditions so those with disabilities are not left 
to fend for themselves.”


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