RIPTA board delays vote on proposed service cuts after McKee letter urging new proposal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — RIPTA’s board of directors has delayed today’s vote on proposed service cuts.

The decision comes following a letter from Governor Dan McKee sent this morning, asking the board to develop a new proposal.

The governor is asking that the new proposal balance new revenue strategies with more specific cuts to low-performing routes instead of broad cuts to services across the board.

RIPTA initially planned to cut 16 routes and reduce 30 other routes to address a nearly $18 million deficit.

That’s been cut down to a $10 million deficit through savings and maximizing federal funds.

During today’s meeting, RIPTA officials discussed short-term solutions, including layoffs.

RIPTA is still considering how to best cut the workforce, including potentially eliminating certain taxi services and moving those employees to bus routes.

The board also noted more retirements are coming up in the spring, and RIPTA could end up in a driver shortage if layoffs go through.

The board said a new proposal could be ready in two business days, and clarified the proposed cuts are not off the table.