Rep. Veasey Introduces Bill to Continue Handitran Operation in Arlington

By Office of Communication

Posted on March 27, 2015, March 27, 2015

Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, unveiled H.R. 1645, the Transportation for Elderly and Disabled Americans Act that would reinstate an allowance for cities such as Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Mesquite, Texas to use federal transit funding for operation and maintenance costs for transit services for the elderly and disabled.

"As the nation 's elderly population grows in the coming years, critical paratransit services such as Handitran will allow seniors to maintain their independence, " said Congressman Veasey. "For many residents, this reliable and affordable public transportation allows them to make their doctors ' appointments, go grocery shopping, visit family and friends and provides them an opportunity to continue their daily activities. "

"We are grateful to Congressman Veasey for introducing this legislation and his support on this issue, " said Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck.

"The City 's Handitran service provides over 500 trips per day to our elderly and disabled residents. They rely on Handitran to provide them with affordable, independent access to employment, education, healthcare, and community life. "

Historically, a major source of assistance for small paratransit operators came from the Urbanized Area Transit Formula Grant. However, an oversight in 2012 legislation known as the Moving Ahead for Press in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) eliminated this source of funding for some small paratransit operators but did not include an alternative to address the resulting gap. H.R. 1645, The Transportation for Elderly and Disabled Americans Act would correct this oversight. Specifically, the Act would authorize small general public demand response service operators in large urbanized areas to use Section 5307 funds for operating assistance.

Congressman Veasey will visit the City of Arlington next Thursday morning, April 2, to discuss the Transportation for Elderly and Disabled Americans Act.

For more information on the proposed bill, please visit Congressman Marc Veasey 's website.