What Is The Metro Connector?
The Metro Connector is a study that will explore options for light-rail and bus rapid transit to connect the communities of Cumberland, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, Cranston, and Warwick. The study aims to:
- Recommend the best routes and types of transit
- Suggest station locations
- Estimate the costs of building and operating the system
- Identify the expected benefits of the project
The purpose of the study is to consider options for providing fast, reliable, and frequent transit that connects major transportation hubs, regional activity centers, and residential neighborhoods in metropolitan Providence. It also seeks to support other State goals related to climate, sustainable housing growth, and economic development in an equitable manner.
The study was recommended in RI’s 2020 statewide Transit Master Plan, Transit Forward RI 2040 and began in Spring 2024. This plan examined transit demand throughout the state and identified the transit lines in this study as a priority because they have the highest ridership demand in the Rhode Island, comparable to transit lines in much larger cities around the US.
There are two corridors being considered as part of this effort: travel from Central Falls to Community College Rhode Island (CCRI) and travel from Providence to TF Green International Airport.
Who Is Involved?
This study is being led by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). RIPTA is working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the Department of Administration’s Division of Statewide Planning, and leadership from the municipalities of Cumberland, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, Cranston, and Warwick.
The Metro Connector project provides many opportunities for community members to become involved, through participating in public meetings to be held at key moments in the project, through public surveys administered through this project website, and at pop-up events that will be held throughout the project. Please sign up here to be added to our mailing list to learn more about upcoming meetings and ways to engage with the project team.
We want to hear from you! Take a few minutes to complete our survey and shape the future of public transportation. Click here to take the survey.
When Is The Study Happening?
The Metro Connector study began in Spring 2024 and is expected to continue through the end of 2025. The Study’s four phases are shown below with expected timing:
The full timeline is below. This more detailed timeline shows when the technical work will occur and how technical efforts feed into community engagement milestones. Each circled number in the timeline corresponds to a deliverable for the project, color coded into the three phases described above.
For more information, please contact RIPTA’s Project Manager Zachary Agush at MetroConnector@ripta.com
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