§ 39-18-24. John J. MacDonald, Jr. Transportation Initiative.
(a) The Rhode Island public transit authority is authorized and directed, in consultation
with the division of public utilities and carriers and the governor's commission on
disabilities, to develop the "John J. MacDonald, Jr. Transportation Initiative� for
a statewide federally funded "New Freedom Program� to reduce barriers to transportation
services and expand the transportation mobility options available to people with disabilities
who need wheelchair-accessible transportation beyond the requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, by September 30, 2010. The goal is to provide
on-demand wheelchair-accessible taxicab service throughout the state, and especially
at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport and the train stations.
(b) The administrator of the division of public utilities and carriers is authorized and
directed to issue a regional wheelchair taxicab certificate after a hearing, in accordance
with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42, the administrative procedures act, to any qualified applicant therefore, authorizing
the whole or any part of the operations covered by the application, if it is found
that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to properly perform the service proposed
and to conform to the provisions of chapter 14 of this title, and the requirements,
orders, rules, and regulations of the administrator thereunder, and that the proposed
service, to the extent to be authorized by the certificate, is or will be required
by the present or future public convenience and necessity; otherwise the application
shall be denied.
(c) The Rhode Island public transit authority is authorized and directed:
(1) To adopt rules and regulations for the implementation of the John J. MacDonald, Jr.
transportation initiative; and
(2) Purchase up to two (2) wheelchair-accessible taxicabs for each regional wheelchair
taxicab or public motor vehicle certificate holder, utilizing New Freedom — Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (23 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.) funds for eighty percent (80%) of the cost. The program or purchases thereunder
shall be funded by federal grants and private funds only and shall not have a negative
financial impact on the Rhode Island public transit authority's operating budget.
The operators of the wheelchair-accessible taxicabs shall be responsible for the twenty
percent (20%) nonfederal match for purchase of the vehicles.
(d) The operators of the certified wheelchair-accessible taxicabs or public motor vehicles,
and not the Rhode Island public transit authority, shall be responsible for all operating
and maintenance costs of the wheelchair-accessible taxicabs or public motor vehicles.
(e) The Rhode Island public transit authority and the division of public utilities and
carriers is authorized and directed to begin implementation of the "John J. MacDonald,
Jr. Transportation Initiative� on or before January 1, 2011.