RIPTA no longer using I-195 parcel for transit center

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority said they will no longer be considering I-195 as a potential site for a Providence transit center.

Earlier this year, the Rhode Island Transportation Authority (RIPTA) approved a $16.9 million contract with a consortium of six Rhode Island-based businesses called Next Wave Partners for a new transit hub.

According to RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand, the organization is considering other locations, with priority given to places that are closer to Providence Train Station.

“The Next Wave team and RIPTA have been seeking additional engineering information, which will allow Next Wave to make a more informed formal recommendation for a potential site,” Durand said in a statement. 

“Once we have a recommended site, we will hold an additional round of public input opportunities to share the ideas that have been developed after much work this summer.”

Meanwhile, Providence City Council Ordinance Committee earlier this month voted in favor of getting rid of a part of the city’s comprehensive plan that seemed to support moving the Kennedy Plaza bus hub.

This month, the Providence City Council voted in favor of getting rid of the part of the city’s comprehensive plan that supported the move of the Kennedy Plaza bus.