Scott Avedisian
RIPTA board cuts four unfilled driver positions instead of 40
PROVIDENCE — A revised budget request from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) reinstates funding for 36 of the 40 unfilled driver positions the agency sought to cut in an earlier draft submitted to Gov. Dan McKee. The change was met with praise and unanimously approved by six members of RIPTA’s Board of Directors […]
To cut costs, RIPTA would have to slash 40 unfilled driver positions
PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) appears to have slashed its looming budget deficit in half — from $30 million to $40 million, under prior projections — to $18.4 million under estimates presented to the Board of Directors in a meeting on Thursday. The catch: The transit agency wants to permanently remove 40 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Analysis: Electric vehicle transition will drain $217M from state coffers by 2035
The road to electric vehicles is paved with price tags: to build charging stations, offer rebates, not to mention a precipitous decline in the state’s gas tax. All together, the tax revenue losses and new expenditures associated with a transition to electric vehicles could slash $216.9 million that would otherwise flow into state coffers by […]
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 […]
Another one rides the bus: Commuter transit returning to Foster
Since 2006, if residents from the rural town of Foster wanted to rely on public transit to get to Providence, they’d have to travel to nearby Scituate in order to catch a ride. “[Having the bus is] a resource for a town which is otherwise pretty much shut off from civilization,” said Republican House Minority […]
Looking for labor: RIPTA struggles to recruit new drivers
Candy, little pink paper hearts and job postings were displayed on a table on Valentine’s Day at the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s Elmwood Avenue headquarters, waiting for the public to come. Only eight people did over the four hours the agency held its monthly career fair, officials said. The event was advertised on RIPTA’s […]