Public restrooms at Kennedy Plaza to reopen

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority announced Tuesday the public restrooms at Kennedy Plaza will reopen Wednesday.

Scott Avesdian, CEO of RIPTA, said the city of Providence and RIPTA have agreed on a plan that will accommodate the needs of the public and RIPTA’s drivers, as well as the Authority’s requirement to enforce a federal mask mandate.

“Reopening public restrooms at three busy transit facilities in our state is a necessary step to address public need as we re-emerge from the pandemic,” said Governor McKee. “From the start, I urged all parties to come together to find a solution. I am glad to announce a plan that ensures public access to restrooms, and allows drivers to continue providing essential transit service on schedule.

Starting Wednesday, the restrooms will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The restrooms at the nearby public skating rink will be retrofitted for use by RIPTA bus operators.

The restrooms at the Newport Transportation and Visitors Center and the Pawtucket Transit Center were also recently reopened by the city.