News Summary
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is facing a budget crisis, leading to proposed cuts of 58 bus routes and 90 jobs. In light of a $17.6 million shortfall, public hearings will be held for community feedback on potential service changes and fare increases. The authority is committed to addressing the budget issues while ensuring reliable public transportation for residents.
Warwick, RI – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is planning significant budget cuts in response to a $17.6 million budget shortfall. The authority is proposing to cut 58 bus routes, eliminate 90 jobs, and potentially increase the fare from the current rate of $2 per ride. In an effort to engage the community and gather feedback, RIPTA will conduct 12 public hearings starting on July 28, 2025, where residents can voice their opinions and concerns about the proposed changes.
The first public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Knight Campus in Warwick from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. A second session will occur at the Woonsocket Public Library from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm on the same day. Additional hearings will be held throughout various locations, including Newport, South Kingstown, West Warwick, Pawtucket, Providence, and Barrington, up until August 6, 2025. The RIPTA board of directors is set to vote on the proposal at a special meeting on August 7, with any approved cuts slated to take effect on September 13, 2025.
The proposed changes include the complete elimination of 16 routes, while 30 other routes will experience reductions in service frequency or the number of trips. Weekend service will be eliminated on nine routes, and segments of six routes will be canceled entirely. The decisions come as RIPTA’s CEO, Christopher Durand, acknowledges the agency’s challenges in maintaining reliable service amid increasing operational costs and decreasing revenues, exacerbated by a downturn in ridership since the pandemic.
RIPTA has managed to reduce its initial $17.6 million deficit down to $10 million due to federal reimbursements and revisions in gas tax revenue. Despite the state lawmakers’ recent increase in the gas tax, which provided RIPTA with an additional $15 million, financial obstacles remain significant. The authority’s attempts to address the deficit through service reductions and fare increases have raised concerns among the public regarding the potential impact on vital transportation for many Rhode Island residents.
Community advocates have expressed worries about the transparency and timing of the proposed cuts, pointing out that riders may not have adequate time to prepare feedback for the hearings. To address these concerns, RIPTA is also providing translation and interpreter services at the public hearings with a 72-hour notice. Comments from the public can be submitted via mail, email, or phone until August 6, 2025.
In addition to the proposed route changes, RIPTA is taking steps to minimize employment layoffs through strategic planning, as they anticipate future retirements and necessary growth within their paratransit division. As part of the ongoing evaluation of the proposed fare increase, RIPTA is conducting a study to analyze how a fare change could potentially impact ridership, revenue, and equity considerations for its users.
The significant service cuts proposed by RIPTA highlight the ongoing challenges faced by public transit authorities in balancing budgets and service levels. The public hearings serve as an important opportunity for citizens to engage with the transit authority and contribute to discussions about the future of public transportation in Rhode Island.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
- What’s Up Newp
- Google Search: RIPTA budget deficit
- WPRI
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island transit authority
- Boston Globe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: public transit
- Rhode Island Current
- Google News: RIPTA service cuts
