Pols fight for easier Access-A-Ride regulations
The process of re-upping with Access-A-Ride should be made easier for clients who are already enrolled in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s paratransit program, according to two lawmakers who are pushing legislation aimed at reducing the bureaucracy and paperwork.
Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis and state Sen. Andrew Lanza are each sponsoring bills in their respective legislative houses to ease the recertification process for senior citizens 80 years of age and older.
Under the bills, paratransit subscribers who are at least 80 years old and are recertifying for Access-A-Ride would be required only to produce correspondence from their physician indicating their need to continue using Access-A-Ride.
Under current state law, the re-certification process entails endless paperwork, doctor visits and physical examinations at Access-A-Ride offices, according to Malliotakis (R-C-Bay Ridge-Staten Island), who said she has heard from numerous senior citizens requesting her help in navigating the stressful and time-consuming process.