S 3786 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires paratransit vehicle operators to announce stops for passengers.*

This bill requires Access Link paratransit vehicle operators in New Jersey to announce every scheduled stop along their routes, either verbally or through a recording system. It directly affects drivers and staff who operate Access Link vehicles, a paratransit service provided by New Jersey Transit Corporation for individuals with disabilities. The legislation adds a new requirement that currently applies only to fixed-route transportation services, ensuring passengers on paratransit routes receive the same stop announcements as those on regular bus routes. The law will take effect on the first day of the second month following its enactment.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 5, 2026 Last action Jun 30, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Reprint · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was expanded from requiring only Access Link (NJ Transit's specific paratransit program) operators to announce stops, to requiring ALL public paratransit vehicle operators in New Jersey to do so. A new definition of 'paratransit service' was added covering NJ Transit Access Link, Department of Labor and Workforce Development services, and county senior/disabled transportation programs, while explicitly excluding private taxicabs, limousines, and ride-share companies.

SCOPE

The requirement to announce stops now applies to all paratransit vehicle operators rather than only Access Link (NJ Transit) operators. The operator definition was broadened from 'operating an Access Link vehicle' to 'operating a vehicle for the provision of paratransit services.'

An explicit exclusion was added for private or charter services provided by taxicabs, limousines, or transportation network companies (e.g., Uber, Lyft), clarifying that the stop-announcement requirement does not apply to those providers.

DEFINITION

A new definition of 'paratransit service' was added, covering three categories: NJ Transit's Access Link program, Department of Labor and Workforce Development transportation services (P.L.1987, c.455), and county programs under the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Act (P.L.1983, c.578).

The standalone definition of 'Access Link' was struck from the bill's definitions section, as it is now referenced within the broader 'paratransit service' definition instead.

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Committee

Mar 5, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee

upper

2 primary · 1 co-sponsor