Transportation
Possible changes coming to RIPTA board following Senate vote
PROVIDENCE — The director of the state’s Department of Transportation (RIDOT) already serves as a member of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) Board of Directors, but he could become its chair after the passage of a bill in the state Senate Thursday. Sponsored by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, the bill would add one […]
Warwick man accused of stealing Department of Transportation backhoe
A Warwick man has been charged with allegedly stealing a backhoe belonging to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) earlier this year. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office announced Thursday that Peter Dambruoso, 59, is charged with one count of possession of a stolen vehicle and one count of driving without a valid license. […]
The smallest state has a big drunken driving problem
PROVIDENCE — Kristine Bouthillier of West Warwick does not want to be in the spotlight. She just wants her son’s life to return to the way it used to be. She knows that is impossible. So instead, Bouthillier was standing at a podium in Senate Judiciary room 313 at the Rhode Island State House on […]
Hop on a free trolley in Newport
Free “hop-on, hop-off” trolley service will return to Newport for the summer starting Friday, May 26, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has announced. The service covers RIPTA’s Route 67, which provides transportation to a number of the city’s tourist destinations — including mansions, the Cliff Walk, Audrain Automobile Museum, and International Tennis Hall […]
Suicide prevention advocates say R.I. bridges need barriers and they need them now
During his 17 years with the West Warwick Police Department, Matt Beltrami responded to hundreds of calls to help people in crisis. A decorated crisis negotiator, he had received training as an opioid response liaison and for mental health first aid and was also known for his compassion and dedication to addressing the mental health […]
T.F. Green gets $9 million in federal funds toward airport improvements
Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport is getting more than $9 million in federal funding for taxiway upgrades and planning. Funding is through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in November 2021, according to an announcement Wednesday from Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse. The federal […]
Fee reduction on driver privilege cards signed into law
PROVIDENCE — Legislation reducing the price for a driver privilege card became law Tuesday when it was signed by Gov. Dan McKee. A spokesperson for the governor said McKee signed the law around 1 p.m. Reduction in driver privilege card fees sent to governor’s desk for consideration H5780, sponsored by House Chair of the Special […]
Reduction in driver privilege card fees sent to governor’s desk for consideration
PROVIDENCE — Legislation to reduce the cost of obtaining a driver privilege card passed both chambers of the General Assembly this week, leaving it up to Gov. Dan McKee to sign the bills into law. H5780, sponsored by House Chair of the Special Legislation Committee Rep. Karen Alzate, a Pawtucket Democrat, and, S751, sponsored by […]
RIPTA approves two-year contract extension for Avedisian
PROVIDENCE — Scott Avedisian will remain CEO of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) for the immediate future. The RIPTA board of directors Wednesday afternoon voted in executive session to extend Avedisian’s contract for two years. His contract was set to expire at the end of the month. Board member Patrick Crowley was not […]
Breeze begins direct flights from T.F. Green to LAX
WARWICK — Travelers can now fly directly from Rhode Island to Los Angeles. Breeze Airways on Wednesday morning celebrated the first of seven new flights from its new base of operations at Rhode Island’s T. F. Green International Airport. Breeze Flight MX 700 departed at 8 a.m. for LAX. This week will also see direct […]
RIPTA extends free fare program in Central Falls
CENTRAL FALLS — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is extending and expanding its free-fare program in Central Falls through Aug. 1, and adding two new stops at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center. The program, which began in March 2022, offers free fares for trips starting in Central Falls when using a Wave smart […]
Move over, Rhode Island: Bill seeks to expand law to non-emergency vehicles
Slow down, move over. In Rhode Island, this is the law drivers are required to follow when first responders, tow trucks, or department of transportation crews are pulled over on the side of the road. Soon this could apply to all vehicles on the side of the state’s highways under a bill sponsored by Sen. David […]