Budget Amendment ID: FY2016-S3-803

EHS 803

Transportation of Elders, Veterans, and Those with Disabilities

Mr. Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting the following new section:-

SECTION XX. There shall be a special task force convened to identify existing structural or policy-based impediments to delivering a more comprehensive and efficient transportation system for the senior, disabled, and veteran populations of the Commonwealth.

The task force shall consist of 11 members: 1 of whom shall be the Secretary of Elder Affairs or their designee, who shall serve as chair; 1 of whom shall be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or their designee; 1 of whom shall be the Secretary of Transportation or their designee; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Regional Transit Authorities; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Municipal Association; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Office on Disability; and 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Human Service Transportation Office.

In its examination, the task force shall review how transit service is currently provided to the senior, disabled, and veteran population of the Commonwealth by both public and private means and identify problems owing to redundancy and overlapping jurisdictions/service areas in both the scheduling and delivery of transportation services. The task force shall then draft recommendations to improve the way transportation is provided to the elder, disabled, and veteran populations in a more efficient, cost-effective manner.

The task force shall submit its report, findings, recommendations and any proposed legislation and regulatory changes to the Governor, the joint committee on Elder Affairs, and the joint committee on Transportation not later than July 1, 2016.