This bill amends the existing Mobility and Transportation Innovation Pilot Program to broaden its scope, allowing grants to be awarded to local government units and transit agencies for public transportation projects throughout the entire state, rather than being limited to Mercer County. The bill introduces new definitions, including "innovative technology," which encompasses advanced transit technologies aimed at improving the efficiency and accessibility of transportation systems. Additionally, it establishes new eligibility criteria for grant applications, requiring projects to facilitate access for individuals without smartphones or credit cards and to include features that accommodate persons with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles and accessible mobile applications.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific factors that the Commissioner of Transportation must consider when approving grant applications, including the potential for projects to enhance transit performance, remove mobility barriers, and improve environmental sustainability. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $20 million from the General Fund to the Department of Transportation, supplementing the initial $2 million allocated when the program was first established. This funding aims to enhance public transportation services and promote innovative solutions to mobility challenges across New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27:1D-10, 27:1D-11