Protesters rally against proposed RIDOT transit hub

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Protesters at the State House on Wednesday rallied against potential service cuts and substantial changes to RIPTA, all while legislators got a closer look at the department’s budget.

Two major talking points for commuters in the capital city were service cuts due to budget issues at RIPTA and a new proposed transit center that would move the hub of transportation out of downtown.

“I don’t have a license,” said one commuter at the rally. “I’m not going to get a license, it’s just not in my future.”

RIPTA is in the early stages of developing a proposal for a new transit center near I-195, moving transit focus away from Kennedy Plaza.

“It’s going to impact basically everybody who uses the bus system,” said Randall Rose with the Kennedy Plaza Resilience Coalition.

“Over 80 percent of the busses and bus routes go through Kennedy Plaza,” Rose continued. “And I know some people get off their bus before it arrives at Kennedy Plaza, but most of the people in the state who are bus riders are taking the bus into Kennedy Plaza, some of the time.”

RIPTA officials spoke during the House finance committee meeting Wednesday afternoon, as the current budget does not meet the need for funding.

“I see that the Governor has graciously given you $10 million for the 18,” said Rep. John Edwards from District 70. “And I guess the elves are going to deliver the other eight? What is the proposal here?”

RIPTA is looking to make changes to its service.

One possibility is cutting back on around 30 of its routes, but their issues are not unique, as transportation has been forced to evolve across the country.

“So, you have Uber and Lyft,” said Office of Management and Budget Director Brian Daniels. “You also have the impact of telecommuting during and post-pandemic. You have fewer people doing trips to work.”

“So, this is an opportunity to see if there are ways of restructuring some of these services to be more efficient,” Daniels continued.

Community members said addressing this funding issue should be at the top of the list for representatives.

“Address the fiscal cliff, so we don’t have to spend time agonizing and passengers spend the fall agonizing about losing service,” said another commuter during the public comment period.

Another protest against the proposed transportation hub is scheduled for next week.

RIPTA officials stressed that this project is still in its early phases, saying their goal is “to make informed decisions that prioritize the interests of the community while enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our transit system.”