RIPTA
RIPTA to launch new fare-free program for low-income bus riders
PROVIDENCE — Low-income Rhode Islanders can continue riding the bus for free for at least another six months under a new version of a preexisting program. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) board of directors at its monthly meeting Wednesday voted unanimously to launch a new iteration of its No Fare Pilot Program, which […]
RIPTA isn’t broken, it’s chronically underfunded
The evidence has long been known that high-quality public transit is an invaluable public good. In thriving, healthy communities across America and around the globe, public transit facilitates economic development, downtown and neighborhood revitalization, equitable access to opportunity and social cohesion. States and metro regions are now increasingly leveraging transit to reduce traffic emissions, meet […]
RIPTA board votes down Alviti’s call for new subcommittee in split vote
PROVIDENCE — Peter Alviti has a plan to provide additional oversight to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to improve its effectiveness as an agency. He just doesn’t have the votes to do it. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Alviti’s fourth meeting as chair of the RIPTA board of directors, a debate over Alviti’s […]
RIPTA extends free fare pilot program another month
PROVIDENCE — Low-income passengers can keep riding the bus for free in Rhode Island under a temporary program that was set to expire Saturday, but will now continue for one more month. After a heated half-hour discussion at its monthly meeting Wednesday, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) board of directors unanimously voted to […]
Gimme shelter: Waiting for the bus could get a little more comfortable in Rhode Island
Bus riders could have new, state-of-the art covered bus stops as the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) eyes replacing — and adding more — bus shelters across the state. A program still in preliminary stages seeks to identify the most appropriate locations for shelters and what amenities RIPTA could include and maintain, such as […]
RIPTA to begin contractor negotiations on development of new bus hub
PROVIDENCE — The wheels are turning on a new bus hub in Rhode Island’s capital city. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) board of directors on Wednesday unanimously voted to negotiate a contract with Next Wave Partners — a consortium of a number of Rhode Island-based companies — to construct a multi-use transit center […]
RIPTA extends ‘Ride Free Central Falls’ program through end of year
CENTRAL FALLS — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is expanding its free fare program in the state’s smallest city through the end of the year, the agency announced Thursday. The program, launched as a pilot in March 2022, offers free fares for trips starting in Central Falls when using a Wave smart card […]
In the driver’s seat now: Alviti takes over as chair of RIPTA board
PROVIDENCE — Plans, not wishlists. That’s the mantra Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti Jr. is hoping will spur Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) staff to find solutions to overcome impending funding problems. But that change can only happen if all members of the agency’s board of directors, which Alviti now chairs, feel […]
Roads, bridges, trails, ports: White House awards $2.2B in transportation grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation will send more than $2.2 billion in grants to state, tribal and local governments under a grant program that was expanded under the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. RIPTA receives federal funding for electric buses, expanded service The $2.26 billion for 162 projects provides funds for each of the 50 states, […]
RIPTA receives federal funding for electric buses, expanded service
Rhode Island’s congressional delegation announced Thursday that the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will receive $13.5 million in federal funding to expand service and grow its hybrid electric bus fleet. An $8.5 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Act grant will go toward RIPTA’s service expansion and a $5 million federal […]
General Assembly approves controversial RIPTA board changes
PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) may likely get additional oversight power over the state’s sole bus operator. The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 46-21 to approve legislation that adds an additional member to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) eight-member board and designates RIDOT Director Peter Alviti […]
House to vote on controversial RIPTA board changes
PROVIDENCE — A proposal to restructure the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) Board of Directors is scheduled for a floor vote Tuesday afternoon. Just four days after holding its initial hearing over the matter, the House Finance Committee voted 11-3 Monday to advance a bill that would add one additional member to RIPTA’s eight-member […]