Favorable
Committee: Environment and Transportation
HB0058
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitalsj and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
House Bill 58 requires a county that submits an application to the Secretary of Transportation for funding for certain transportation services for elderly and disabled persons to identify interjurisdictional paratransit service routes between facilities within certain networks of providers in the application; requiring the Secretary to adopt procedures to ensure counties cooperate in establishing interjurisdictional paratransit service routes between facilities within certain networks of providers.
When transportation systems are uncoordinated, riders often face longer travel times, missed connections and gaps in access to essential services. Research and planning efforts consistently show that improved coordination across service areas enhances both efficiency and effectiveness, reducing service overlaps and closing gaps that leave riders without reliable options.[1] Coordinated networks and partnerships among providers have been documented to improve ADA paratransit services and expand access for seniors and people with disabilities by linking transportation to health and human services.[2]
Reliable, accessible transportation is essential for connecting individuals to health care appointments, social services, and community engagement opportunities. Studies indicate that paratransit use is associated with reduced social isolation and increased participation in social and health activities, which contributes to better health and emotional well-being among older adults and individuals with disabilities. By requiring interjurisdictional routes, House Bill 58 helps ensure paratransit users can travel seamlessly between facilities and service providers, improving reliability, reducing travel burdens, and enhancing overall accessibility. Access to coordinated transportation supports dignity, independence, and quality of life, while helping individuals stay connected to the care and community resources they need.
For these reasons, the Maryland Catholic Conference asks for a favorable report on HB 58. Thank you for your consideration.
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1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214140525000829?utm_source
2 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-13-17.pdf?utm_source