Ribbon Cutting at Kennedy Plaza

 Nicole Brazier
@NicoleBrazierTV
nbrazier@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE – As bus number 17 pulled up to it’s Pocasset stop it met an unusual rider… Mayor Jorge Elorza.

He decided to take advantage of RIPTA as a new era begins at Kennedy Plaza.

“This is about getting more people to ride the bus into work… Now there’s better lighting in Kennedy Plaza, there’s better flow of traffic, and I think the overall experience for the users, for the riders will be much more enhanced,” Elorza said.

The official ribbon cutting signifies months of construction at the plaza, which uprooted some bus stops and upset some frequent riders.

Some say, they’re still not happy with the changes.

“They changed the drop off spot, where you have to walk across Burnside Park, and that’s not good for the handicapped, and people who have breathing problems,” said a frequent rider who calls himself “Bear.”

Others say the improvements, which include new bus shelters, stops, and routes are a welcome change.

“The bus stops are wider, I think the streets are wider, and I think it’s easier to get in and out of the locations, I think it’s easier for the passengers to get in and out,” said rider George Corrente.

Although construction on the $2.5 million project is complete, you can expect more improvements to Kennedy Plaza in the future.

“RIPTA is very excited as to where we are, where we’ve been, where we are today, where we’re going in the future and Mayor Elorza, we look forward to continuing to work with you and the members of the city council to improve transit here in Kennedy Plaza,” said Mayor Scott Avedisian, Chairman of the RIPTA board.
(c) WLNE-TV 2015