Jon Kuehn, Head of Partnerships for UberTransit, celebrated SB786, a bill that would allow transportation network companies to supplement existing paratransit service, thereby helping to reduce missed paratransit trips.
The proposed legislation comes as Maryland’s paratransit system faces increasing demand, with many residents experiencing long wait times or missed rides. Paratransit services are designed for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using traditional fixed-route public transit. Operated primarily through the Maryland Transit Administration’s MobilityLink program, these services are federally required under the Americans with Disabilities Act to offer comparable service to bus and rail routes. However, rising demand has led policymakers to consider supplemental options such as partnerships with transportation network companies (TNCs), according to the Maryland Transit Administration.
“Under the current system, paratransit fleets often operate at capacity, leading to leaving Maryland residents stranded for hours at a time waiting to be picked up by their service,” said Kuehn. “SB 786 provides the tools to manage peak demand and reduce missed trips. Traditional paratransit trips cost the MTA approximately $64.41 per trip. Shifting just 20% of these trips to a TNC-supplemented model could save the State $24 million annually,” according to his statement at a Finance Committee hearing.
Paratransit services are significantly more expensive than traditional fixed-route transit because they require individualized trips, specialized vehicles, and door-to-door service. According to the Federal Transit Administration, paratransit trips often cost multiple times more per ride than standard public transportation. Many agencies report average per-trip costs exceeding $60 due to labor and scheduling complexity. These financial pressures have prompted agencies nationwide to test hybrid models that supplement dedicated fleets with on-demand providers while maintaining ADA compliance.
Public transit agencies in cities such as Boston, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., have piloted ride-hailing partnerships for overflow or late-night trips. Studies show integrating on-demand providers can reduce wait times and lower costs when used strategically for certain trip types. These programs typically supplement rather than replace traditional fleets, according to research from the American Public Transportation Association.
Kuehn serves as Head of Partnerships for UberTransit, a division focused on collaborating with public transit agencies to expand mobility options by integrating ride-hailing technology with traditional services, according to his LinkedIn profile.
