The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is proposing sweeping service cuts due to a ten-million-dollar budget deficit. A plan released yesterday reduces service on 58 of 67 bus routes. Eleven routes would be totally eliminated, and there would be no weekend service on nine routes. It's unclear how many jobs would be cut.
“A first-class transit system is essential for driving economic development in our state. Unfortunately, revenues have not kept up with operating costs and with federal COVID relief funding being fully spent, the Authority must now amend our services to align with the resources we have,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “We’ve reduced the deficit to $10 million through one-time federal reimbursements, revised gas tax estimates, fuel lock savings, and reallocating federal funds.”
Recent action by the General Assembly in the state’s enacted budget to increase the gas tax, along with internal cost-saving measures, has helped reduce RIPTA’s budget deficit and lessen the number of proposed service cuts.
“While the timely implementation of these service changes is necessary, we will continue to do everything we can to preserve services that help people get to work, educational and training opportunities, and medical appointments. As we prepare for these changes, please monitor our website closely for trip cancellations and service disruptions. We remain committed to providing reliable service and a positive customer experience,” Durand added.
Hearings Scheduled July 28 through August 6 in Barrington, Providence, Woonsocket, West Warwick, Warwick, Pawtucket, Newport, and South Kingstown.
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