RIPTA announces additional public engagement opportunities for new transit center

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — As the first planning phase nears the end, The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and Next Wave Rhode Island Partners are continuing to encourage riders to voice their opinions on the Providence Transit Center.

According to a release, the new  transit center will serve as RIPTA’s central bus hub, supporting millions of trips annually, and feature a state-of-the-art temperature-controlled passenger arrival and seating area, staff break areas, and amenities including multi-modal accommodations for bicyclists.

Additional opportunities for residents will include:

• Virtual Event: Scheduled for Thursday, June 13 from 6 – 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to join RIPTA and Next Wave Partners leaders via Zoom to share their feedback and opinions. Attendees can register for Thursday’s virtual event by clicking here. Thursday’s meeting will also be streamed live on RIPTA’s Facebook page.
• Online Survey: Rhode Islanders are also encouraged to share their opinions via an online survey, which can be found in English and Spanish at www.TransitCenterSurvey.com. This survey will remain open through the end of June, and participants who complete the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $20 gift card and a RIPTA prize pack.
• Pop-Up Events: For Rhode Islanders unable to attend in-person or virtual public engagement sessions, RIPTA leaders will also be available at a series of upcoming community events to hear your feedback and answer your questions. Scheduled pop-up events include:

• Thursday, June 20 (4 – 6 p.m.) | Farm Fresh Amory Park Farmers Market
• Friday, June 21 (5 – 7 p.m.) | The Guild Beer Garden, I-195 District
• Friday, June 28 (6 – 8 p.m.) | Central Falls Salsa Night

RIPTA and Next Wave Partners will work together in two phases to complete the new transit center.

According to the release, the project will move into the next planning phase, which will focus on collecting feedback on further site exploration and preferred amenities for the transit center on July 1.

Additional in-person and virtual opportunities for public input in this second phase will be announced in the coming weeks.