September 20, 2024
Press Releases
$1.8 Million Project Improves Transit Accessibility and Rider Experience
Governor McKee, members of the State’s Congressional delegation and General Assembly, municipal leaders, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) gathered today to celebrate the completion of the $1.8 Million Bus Stop Enhancement Project at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Knight Campus in Warwick.
This project, a collaborative effort between RIPTA and CCRI, is a significant step in improving transit accessibility and enhancing the rider experience as recommended in Rhode Island’s 2020 statewide Transit Master Plan, Transit Forward Rhode Island.
“These significant bus stop enhancements at CCRI sets a new standard for transit infrastructure, and it will serve as a blueprint for future projects like this across the state,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer. “By partnering with CCRI, we are ensuring that public transit continues to be a reliable and sustainable option for students, faculty, staff and the community at large.”
The Knight Campus now features four newly constructed bus stops, all within the existing busway and curb area, designed to accommodate 40-foot buses. These improvements provide a modern and accessible transit environment for students, faculty, and the public who utilize RIPTA’s services to access the campus. Each bus stop is equipped with:
– Real-time information screens for up-to-the-minute bus arrivals and departures.
– Accessible seating areas for ADA mobility devices.
– Enhanced lighting for safety and visibility.
– Trash cans to maintain cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
– Solar panels to generate low-voltage electricity, powering the bus stop amenities.
In addition to these improvements, a state-of-the-art security camera system has been installed to monitor the transit facilities, accessible by both RIPTA and CCRI security teams. Safe and distinctive fencing separates the active busway from the adjacent CCRI parking lot, further ensuring the safety of pedestrians and transit riders. New bus stop signage has been installed at each stop, along with appropriate crosswalk and safety signage, including flashing lights to alert drivers and pedestrians.
CCRI has been a RIPTA U-PASS partner since 2005. Funded by participating colleges and universities, the University Pass Program (U-PASS), allows students and/or faculty at participating schools to receive transit benefits. Students can ride using their student ID or purchase reduced fare products on campus, depending on the school. Through this program, CCRI students are able purchase RIPTA monthly bus passes at half-price at the college bookstore.
RIPTA Routes 13, 14, 16, 21, 22, 23, 29, 30, 66, and Flex 242 serve CCRI Warwick, providing 376 weekday trips to the college.
RIPTA received funding for the project through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Bus and Bus Facilities grant, which played a crucial role in supporting the $1.8 million initiative. This project is part of RIPTA’s broader commitment to improving connections throughout Rhode Island, with the CCRI Knight Campus serving as a vital point in the regional public transportation network.
For more information, visit RIPTA.com/CCRI.
QUOTES
“Rhode Island is committed to creating passenger-centered experiences, and the new RIPTA bus stops support that goal — and support our students, faculty, and staff,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Providing more accessible and reliable transit helps CCRI’s entire community get where they need to go and make the most of their time in the classroom. I’m grateful to RIPTA, our Congressional Delegation, and federal partners for championing this effort.”
“This is great news for RIPTA riders here at CCRI. I was proud to deliver federal investments for this project to help RIPTA build new facilities and boost service to and from CCRI’s Knight Campus,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “These upgrades will make higher education opportunities more accessible for Rhode Islanders and will help improve comfort, service, and efficiency for riders.”
“All Rhode Island students deserve the tools necessary to receive a quality education, including modern accessible transportation. The completion of CCRI’s bus stop by RIPTA is not just about breaking down barriers to education; it’s also about ensuring that every resident in Rhode Island has access to high-quality transit options, empowering them to travel throughout the state with ease.” said Treasurer James A. Diossa.
“I was proud to support the Rhode Island Promise program, which makes a college education easier to attain at CCRI by removing one of the biggest barriers: the cost. With this bus stop enhancement project at CCRI, RIPTA is making it easier for those students – as well as faculty, staff, and our community – to access its services,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
“I am very pleased with the enhancements to these bus tops. The security and safety measures are sure to bring great comfort to students, faculty and staff who choose to use RIPTA to commute,” said Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi. “The new information boards are also a wonderful blend of modern technology by an alternative energy source.”
“Many of our students juggle jobs, family responsibilities, and academic commitments, making the ability to get to and from our campuses without wasting time on unreliable or lengthy commutes is crucial. It’s not just about getting students from point A to point B, it’s about more time focused on studies and less time spent worrying about logistics,” said Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN, Interim President of CCRI. “With expanded routes and greater convenience, this enhanced bus stop will directly improve the daily lives of hundreds of students who rely on public transportation to attend their classes, pursue their dreams, and achieve their goals.”
For more information on RIPTA services, passengers can call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.