June 10, 2024

Press Releases

Rhode Islanders interested in providing feedback in this first phase are encouraged to attend a virtual event on June 13, fill out the online survey, or participate in a number of upcoming pop-up events

As the first planning phase related to the future Providence Transit Center is approaching its close at the end of June, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and Next Wave Rhode Island Partners are continuing to encourage riders and community members to voice their opinions on this critical project.

“We are grateful for the hundreds of Rhode Islanders who have already weighed in on this important project, and we are looking forward to keeping the momentum going with additional engagement opportunities as we complete this initial phase of the planning process,” said Christopher Durand, interim RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “We want to make sure this state-of-the-art transit center meets the needs of all Rhode Islanders, and we are committed to ensuring everyone who wants to share their thoughts has the opportunity to do so. We look forward to collecting additional feedback in the coming weeks and beginning the next phase of planning and public input next month.”

Rhode Islanders still have several opportunities to participate in this phase of the public input process related to the Providence Transit Center. Opportunities include:

• Virtual Event: Scheduled for Thursday, June 13 from 6 – 7 p.m., this will be RIPTA’s second virtual public engagement session, in addition to two in-person sessions held in May in Providence and Warwick.  Attendees are encouraged to join RIPTA and Next Wave Partners leaders via Zoom to share their feedback and opinions. Attendees can register for Thursday’s virtual event by clicking here. Thursday’s meeting will also be streamed live on RIPTA’s Facebook page. 

RIPTA will provide translation and interpreter services for those who require them, provided such requests are made at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. A request for these services can be made by emailing TransitCenter@RIPTA.com or by calling either (401) 784-9500 x 1242, or (800) 745-5555.

• Online Survey: Rhode Islanders are also encouraged to share their opinions via an online survey, which can be found in English and Spanish at www.TransitCenterSurvey.com. This survey will remain open through the end of June, and participants who complete the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $20 gift card and a RIPTA prize pack.

• Pop-Up Events: For Rhode Islanders unable to attend in-person or virtual public engagement sessions, RIPTA leaders will also be available at a series of upcoming community events to hear your feedback and answer your questions. Scheduled pop-up events include:
  • Thursday, June 20 (4 – 6 p.m.) | Farm Fresh Amory Park Farmers Market
  • Friday, June 21 (5 – 7 p.m.) | The Guild Beer Garden, I-195 District
  • Friday, June 28 (6 – 8 p.m.) | Central Falls Salsa Night  

On July 1, the project will move into the next planning phase, which will focus on collecting feedback on further site exploration and preferred amenities for the transit center. Additional in-person and virtual opportunities for public input in this second phase will be announced in the coming weeks.

The new transit center will serve as RIPTA’s central bus hub, supporting millions of trips annually, and feature a state-of-the-art temperature-controlled passenger arrival and seating area, staff break areas, and amenities including multi-modal accommodations for bicyclists. 

Using a progressive public-private partnership (P3) model, RIPTA and Next Wave Partners will work together in two phases to complete the new transit center, a common model for larger infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure RIPTA has input at all stages of the development and can access the private-sector funding and expertise needed to successfully deliver a project of this scale.

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

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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.