April 17, 2013
Press Releases
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will hold public hearings on proposed service changes in all five Rhode Island counties on May 29th, May 30th, June 3rd, June 4th, June 5th, and June 6th. The Authority announced that the proposed changes in service statewide are a result of RIPTA’s ongoing Comprehensive Operational Analysis.
The Authority announced that the proposed changes in service statewide are part of RIPTA’s Comprehensive Operational Analysis. These changes include proposed new routes and express services, scheduling improvements to better coordinate routes operating in the same corridor, modified route alignments, frequency changes to better match service with demand, and the discontinuation of certain routes and route segments.
The Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) is a statewide review of transit services. The study has undertaken a detailed review process to identify where people live and work, how each bus route is performing today, and where changes might possibly be made to better serve riders. Proposed changes are designed to work within RIPTA’s existing budget, and the intent is to direct transit resources where they would be most effective.
“RIPTA’s staff and board of directors have appreciated the comments we have already received from our customers regarding proposed changes resulting from the Comprehensive Operational Analysis that we have undertaken,” said Mayor Scott Avedisian, chairman of RIPTA’s Board of Directors. “We certainly welcome additional comments and encourage residents to attend the public hearings that have been scheduled throughout Rhode Island in the next several months.”
The proposed changes would affect 56 regular bus routes and all Park and Ride service. Details on the proposed changes are available at www.ripta.com. Additionally, because ADA service is offered within a ¾ mile corridor of fixed-route service, the paratransit ADA service that RIPTA provides through the RIde Program would be adjusted to reflect the fixed-route changes.
To learn more about the COA, please visit the project website at http://www.ripta.com/featured-project
A 72-hour notice is required for persons with sensory impairment requiring auxiliary aids at public hearings. To request this service, members of the public should contact the RIPTA ADA Coordinator at 401-784-9553 (TDD) or 800-745-5555 (RI Relay TDD).