April 23, 2024

Press Releases

Upcoming series of ‘Transit Talks’ public engagement sessions will provide several accessible opportunities for Rhode Islanders to share their opinions as this long-term project progresses

Continuing a commitment to executing a robust and fully transparent planning and development process, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and Next Wave Rhode Island Partners (Next Wave Partners) are seeking public input on the development of a new, state-of-the-art transit center in Providence.

The first in a series of “Transit Talks” public engagement sessions related to this project will be held on Monday, May 13 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. At this session, representatives from Next Wave Partners and RIPTA will discuss the project’s overarching objectives of enhancing ridership experience and expanding service.

“The development of a new transit center is a significant, long-term endeavor and a major investment in our economic and environmental future,” said Governor Dan McKee. “For a project as far-reaching as this, it is critical that we make every effort to involve the public at every step of the process. I encourage all Rhode Islanders to share their input and opinions.”

The interactive event on May 13 will provide RIPTA riders and members of the community with an opportunity to share their opinions and feedback on a new transit center, as well as their priorities regarding amenities that a new, modern, state-of-the-art transit center should provide. Translators will be available on-site to support individuals who speak Spanish and Portuguese. Refreshments will be provided.

“Rhode Island is overdue for a revamped, modernized transit center that can offer the centralized location and state-of-the-art amenities our riders expect and deserve,” said RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “Working alongside the Governor and the experienced professionals at Next Wave Partners, we are confident we can deliver a project that will improve riders’ experience and ultimately advance Rhode Island’s ambitious climate goals. We look forward to engaging the public over the next several months as we move forward.”

A consortium comprised of 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.

The new transit center would serve as RIPTA’s central bus depot, providing millions of trips annually, and considering anticipated growth, the transit center will 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.

“We recognize the vast, long-term significance this project will have on the entire state, and we are proud to have the opportunity to work with RIPTA and Governor McKee’s Administration to bring the vision of a brand-new transit center to life,” said Christopher Marsella, President, Marsella Corporation, on behalf of Next Wave Partners. “We look forward to speaking one-on-one with current RIPTA riders, Providence residents and other community stakeholders as we continue to assess potential sites.”

RIPTA and Next Wave Partners plan to host additional public engagement sessions over the course of the spring and summer. In an effort to reach individuals who are not able to attend these in-person sessions, outreach will also include a statewide survey to collect additional input and feedback.

Dates and locations of upcoming in-person sessions and summaries of all public input will be made available in the coming weeks. Visit www.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.