March 11, 2013

Press Releases

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is considering options for providing transit service to the Tiverton area and is urging the public to provide feedback on how to effectively serve the community.  RIPTA will host a community meeting to solicit input on March 18, 2013 from 7:00PM to 8:30PM at the Tiverton Town Hall, 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, Rhode Island.

In June 2008, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) placed weight limit restrictions on the Sakonnet River Bridge.  As a result, RIPTA was forced to detour Route 60 (Providence/Newport) in Portsmouth and Tiverton; RIPTA has not provided fixed-route service to the Tiverton area since.  Prior to weight restrictions being imposed on the Sakonnet River Bridge, RIPTA provided service to Providence from the Fish Road Park N’ Ride lot. 

RIPTA implemented Flex Service (a reservation-based, curb-to-curb service) in the Tiverton, Portsmouth and Bristol area in October 2001.  However, due to extremely low ridership, budget challenges and after holding public hearings on service reductions, RIPTA discontinued Island Park/Tiverton Flex service in January 2009.

With the reopening of the Sakonnet River Bridge, RIPTA is investigating options for reinstating transit service to Tiverton in a more cost efficient manner. RIPTA is seeking public comment on the need for transit in this area and how to best provide service. 

Please join us on March 18th from 7PM – 8:30PM at the Tiverton Town Hall (343 Highland Road) to discuss transit options for Tiverton and Little Compton.

For more information on schedules or other RIPTA services, please call 781-9400.