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The House of Representatives is calling on the state to tap into available federal funds to develop a plan to provide better transit services for state residents with disabilities who need wheelchair accessible transportation.

The House today approved a Resolution (2009-H6129) sponsored by Rep. Elaine A. Coderre (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket), the House Deputy Majority Whip, to establish a statewide program and asking for a detailed implementation schedule to begin such transportation service by the beginning of September.

Charged with developing the program are the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers and the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities.

Representative Coderre has for years advocated in the legislature for enhancing the welfare of the state’s citizens with disabilities and has made a special effort during the past two legislative sessions to address the shortage of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in service.

The resolution calls on the state to secure federal funds available through the New Freedom Program, which are intended to support new public transportation services and public transportation alternatives beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Funds are available to cover 80 percent of the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles and 50 percent of the planning and operation of statewide transportation programs for wheelchair-bound individuals.

“The General Assembly has shown a long and consistent desire to provide better transportation options and services for individuals with disabilities and particularly those who are in wheelchairs,” said Representative Coderre. “In 2007, we authorized RIPTA to provide public transit services that meet the mobility needs of people with special needs. The same year, we approved law offering a tax credit to taxi companies for the purchase of components to make vehicles in their fleets wheelchair accessible.”

Representative Coderre also cited a 2008 report, “A Coordinated Plan for Public Transit – Human Services Transportation in RI,” which urged improving and expanding transportation services for elderly and individuals with disabilities, including the wheelchair-bound.

The lack of wheelchair accessible transportation in Rhode Island, said Representative Coderre, hinders the ability of individuals to get to medical appointments, the grocery store or pharmacy, or other destinations. The state’s RIde program provides transportation for the disabled and elderly, but besides having to make an appointment, space is often limited. In addition, that service is only available during certain times, and routes are not always direct, since the buses make stops in order to pick up or deliver other passengers. A last resort for wheelchair-bound individuals is a private ambulance. The problem with that, she said, is the prohibitive cost.

“For wheelchair-bound Rhode Islanders, a simple thing such as attending a family gathering or going to a friend’s wake is an incredibly difficult proposition,” said Representative Coderre. “The lack of wheelchair accessible transportation services in Rhode Island is an obstacle that is keeping these individuals from mainstream society.”

The resolution calls on RIPTA to report findings and recommendations for a New Freedom program to the Speaker and the chairs of the House Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Corporations by June 15.