June 19, 2017

Press Releases

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced today that on Saturday, June 17, 2017, it will move its bus stops off America’s Cup Avenue and back into the Newport Transportation and Visitors Center.   This move comes as progress continues on the construction project to repair and improve the exterior passenger and pedestrian center of the busy visitor’s center.  Buses were moved out of the facility to nearby temporary stops on American’s Cup Avenue in January.  The roughly $6 million project is being funded by a 90-percent federal grant with a 10-percent local match from the City of Newport and $20,000 from Discover Newport.

New maps of the bus stop locations are available at Discover Newport, which is located in the visitor’s center, and also at http://bit.ly/2sHtaui. Construction work will continue and some areas near the bus stops will be cordoned off with caution tape, cones or other appropriate signage.  One of the final phases will be the planting of a “rain garden” which will help the facility comply with Newport’s progressive stormwater codes by helping to keep storm runoff on site.  This work will take place later in the season to avoid planting during the height of the summer.

“We are pleased to be able to relocate the buses off America’s Cup Avenue before the height of the tourism season,” said Lilly Picchione, Director of Federal Programs at RIPTA.  “To avoid conflicts with traffic restrictions on the Pell Bridge, we have had some early morning deliveries and work, and we appreciate the patience from our neighbors in the Point.”

The transportation area is not yet open to vehicles other than RIPTA buses, but taxis and tour buses will have access shortly.

For schedules and more information, passengers may call 401-781-9400, or visit www.ripta.com.