Woonsocket Radio News Room

Statement from RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand on the Providence Transit Center

 

Providence, Rhode Island – It is a pivotal time for transit and for the state. We are working hard every day to ensure that RIPTA is more responsive to the needs of all Rhode Islanders. We’ve invested heavily in our workforce development program to resolve our long-standing driver shortage.  I am happy to announce that we have overcome our previous staffing shortage and are now focused on aggressively implementing service improvements that will make the system more reliable and attractive to all.

 

We are focused on enhancing passenger information and are actively exploring ways to build on recent investments made at key locations like the Pawtucket-Central Falls Center and CCRI Warwick, including the integration of real-time screens. 

 

Part of our efforts to improve the rider experience includes the development a new state-of-the-art transit center in Providence.  We embarked on a comprehensive process, exploring numerous locations and engaging the public through numerous meetings and surveys. 

 

Based on a thorough analysis and consideration of public feedback, we are no longer considering the I-195 parcel as a potential site. We are evaluating several potential locations, with high priority given to those in close proximity to the Providence Train Station. The Next Wave team and RIPTA have been seeking additional engineering information, which will allow Next Wave to make a more informed formal recommendation for a potential site.

 

Once we have a recommended site, we will hold an additional round of public input opportunities to share the ideas that have been developed after much work this summer.

 

Visit www.RIPTA.com/TransitCenter for more information and updates

 

About RIPTA

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s mission is to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective transit service with a skilled team of professionals responsive to our customers, the environment, and committed to transit excellence.

 

About Next Wave Rhode Island Partners

Next Wave Rhode Island Partners is a consortium comprised of leaders in Rhode Island’s development sector, including Marsella Development Corporation, Gilbane Development Company, Plenary Americas, Gilbane Building Company, CUBE 3 and Jacobs.

 

Next Wave Partners was selected in August of 2023 by RIPTA to design and construct a new transit center in Providence. RIPTA’s Board of Directors voted to approve Next Wave Partner’s engagement on January 30, 2024.

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