RIPTA to hold two public hearings Monday on possible service cuts, fare increases

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Monday, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will hold the first of a series of public hearings regarding possible cuts due to budget constraints.

Despite a new budget, RIPTA officials say they still face a $17.6 million deficit.

According to a spokesperson, RIPTA will have to cut about 90 jobs and 58 bus routes.

They’re also considering a fare increase.

Today begins a series of 12 public hearings on the proposed changes.

The first meeting will be at the CCRI’s Knight Campus in Warwick at noon.

Then at 5 p.m. tonight in Woonsocket, RIPTA will hold another meeting at the public library on Clinton Street.