RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian speaking to members of the Rhode Island Building Owners Association

Planning for Transit Can Be a Win for Commercial Property Owners

Study after study shows that public transportation is key to economic development, but did you know that developers and commercial property owners can help public transit and transit users as well? Our CEO, Scott Avedisian, recently had an opportunity to speak before the RI Building Owners Association. One of the points he made was that if developers involve RIPTA in their planning processes, we can help them make sure that commercial developments have the proper space and turning areas for our buses to provide service to those locations. This kind of collaborative work is a win for employers, employees and customers. Thank you to the association for inviting us and having such an engaged audience!

Got Transit Ideas?

How can we make your public transportation network better?
Be part of the discussion! We're hosting a Transit Pop-Up in Kennedy Plaza and a Transit Workshop in Middletown.

TRANSIT POP-UP

We're popping up on Thursday, October 3 in Kennedy Plaza near Bus Stop H from 2:30PM to 5PM. Look for the banner! We'll be collecting your feedback and answering questions.

TRANSIT WORKSHOP

On Thursday, October 10, 2019, our Transit Forward team will be at the
Middletown Town Hall from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM presenting three transit scenarios. Review the options and tell us which best aligns with your vision for the future of transit in Rhode Island.

Can't make it to the pop-up or workshop? Not to worry!

Click here to learn about the range of potential transit investments and the major differences between them. Look for information about high capacity transit services such as light rail and regional rapid bus service, improvements to existing services such as more frequent service for longer hours, and expansion to new areas such as crosstown and special event services. Explore the metro area and statewide maps on the site, read the overview of three scenarios, and view a copy of the public presentation. Post your comments on the blog and the interactive map, and sign up to receive regular TMP project updates. Just be sure to share your feedback by Friday, October 25!

For more information on this project, visit www.TransitForwardRI.com

All-Electric At Your Service

Have you seen some ‘different’ looking buses lately?

Those are our zero-emission, all-electric buses that are part of our electric bus pilot program. The three leased vehicles are now being tested in service – primarily along Route 20 (Elmwood Avenue/T.F. Green Airport). The goal is for us to gather enough data and have enough first-hand experience to make an informed decision when it is time to consider buying electric buses for our fleet the near future. To read more about this pilot program, which is largely funded by Volkswagen settlement funds, click here.

FARE STRUCTURE AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

RIPTA is holding three public hearings this month on a new proposed fare structure.

RIPTA is not proposing an increase in its base fare.
Under the proposed restructuring, the base fare of $2 per boarding will remain the same, but other fares and products would be changed as the Authority prepares for the launch of its new smart fare collection system with reloadable fare cards and more options for passengers. That system is slated to launch in early 2020.

Proposed changes to be addressed at the hearings include the introduction of new fares, the discontinuation of transfers for cash fares, and the discontinuation of the 10-ride and seven-day passes.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE

Wednesday, October 2, 2019
RIPTA Headquarters
705 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI
Time: 6pm - 8pm

Thursday, October 3, 2019
Pawtucket City Hall
137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
Times: 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm

Click here for more details.

SERVICE ALERTS

RIPTA CELEBRATES COLUMBUS DAY

RIPTA will operate all regular fixed-route buses and trolleys on a Sunday/Holiday schedule on Monday, October 14, 2019 in observance of Columbus Day. RIPTA offices, including the Photo Identification and Ticket Sellers Offices in Kennedy Plaza, will not be staffed on the holiday. Click here for details.

GLORIA GEMMA FLAMES OF HOPE CELEBRATION - THURSDAY, OCT. 3 – MONDAY, OCT. 7

Routes 50, 56 and 57 will be detoured beginning at 8AM on Thursday, October 3 through 8AM on Monday, October 7. Gaspee Street will be closed during this time. Click here for details.

WAKEFIELD OKTOBERFEST – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

RIPTA will detour Route 66 from 10am to 6pm. Click here for details.

GLORIA GEMMA 5K - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

RIPTA will detour 1, 3, 4, 21, 30, 33, 34, 35, 51, 54, 55, 60, 66, 72, 78, 92 and the R-Line from 9am to 12pm. Route 50, 56, 57 will be detoured from the first trip of the day until 12PM. Click here for details.

COLUMBUS DAY FESTIVAL ON FEDERAL HILL – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 – MONDAY, OCTOBER 14

RIPTA will detour Route 92 (RI College/Federal Hill/East Side) to accommodate the Columbus Day Festival. The detour will be in effect from the first trip of the day on Saturday until the last trip of the night on Monday. Click here for details.

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER WALK – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20

RIPTA will detour Routes 1, 3, 4, 6, 17, 19, 21, 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 50, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 66, 72, 78, 92 and the R-Line. RIPTA Bus Stops V, W and Y will be temporarily relocated during this time. Click here for details.

MONSTER DASH 5K – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27

RIPTA will detour Routes 1, 33, 34, 35, 60, 78 and 92. Click here for details.