WNY News Now

(WNY News Now) – Governor Hochul Announces Major Funding to Expand Accessible Transport Options Across the State.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the award of $52.1 million to enhance the mobility of older citizens and people with disabilities in New York State. The funding will support 133 initiatives across the State that seek to remove barriers to existing transportation services or expand transportation alternatives, including the purchase of new accessible buses or the addition of new paratransit options. Administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, the funding is being provided through the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Program – Enhanced Mobility of older citizens and people with Disabilities.

“Access to quality transportation makes a significant difference in daily lives by allowing people to get to work, go shopping, or obtain medical care, and we must do all we can to ensure that it’s available to all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to this assistance from the Biden-Harris Administration, we can help expand transportation options for older citizens and people with disabilities, making it easier for them to get where they need to go safely and affordably, and improving their quality of life.”

In addition to the purchase of buses, funding from this program can also support capital improvements intended to remove barriers from the operation of paratransit and other enhanced Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) services for older citizens and people with disabilities.

The 133 projects recommended for award include:

• 86 project awards for the purchase of 233 accessible buses, totaling $21.265 million.
• 10 project awards for a variety of capital improvement projects to improve accessibility and mobility, totaling $6.237 million.
• 23 project awards to support operations of existing paratransit and other services that provide transportation to the elderly and people with disabilities, totaling $16.959 million.
• 14 project awards to provide Mobility Management services that will improve paratransit services to the target population of this federal program, totaling $7.642 million.

Funding awards were chosen on a competitive basis with allocations based on each area’s share of the nation’s older citizen and disabled population. Funding recipients are responsible for the 20 percent non-federal matching share for capital projects and the 50 percent non-federal matching share for operating projects. Eligible entities include:

• Not-for-profit corporations that are providing, or propose to provide, transportation services to elderly people and people with disabilities.
• Public bodies approved by the State to coordinate services for older citizens and people with disabilities.
• Public bodies that operate in areas where no non-profit corporations or associations are readily available to provide transportation services to older citizens and people with disabilities.
• Agencies, either public or private, that provide services to older citizens and people with disabilities that seek to enhance transit services and mobility for these people.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “At the New York State Department of Transportation, providing transportation and mobility to all is core to our mission. These investments help remove the barriers to mobility, allowing all New Yorkers access to safe and reliable transportation services so they can go about their daily lives.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Senator Schumer said, “Whether it’s a trip to work, the grocery store, the doctor’s office, or to see family, seniors and people with disabilities need a safe and reliable way to commute. Now, thanks to a substantial $52.1 million federal investment, communities across New York from Chautauqua to Warren County can purchase accessible buses and expand transportation options for older citizens and individuals with disabilities. I will keep fighting to bring home federal resources so that New York can keep rolling to a brighter future.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Accessible transportation is essential to ensure that all individuals can get around smoothly, safely and efficiently, and I’m excited to see New York leading the way to remove barriers to mobility. This much-needed investment will help older citizens and people with disabilities get around with ease, and I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for this vital funding. I will continue fighting for federal dollars to upgrade our infrastructure.”

Representative Joe Morelle said, “Ensuring the accessibility of transportation is an important part of breaking down the barriers that keep people in our community from having the opportunity to thrive. This $52.1 million in funding for our State — including for a number of projects right here in Rochester — will be absolutely transformative for our older citizens and people with disabilities. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership on this important issue, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”