RIPTA union calling for action on agency’s $32 million budget deficit

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The president of the union representing Rhode Island Public Transit Authority employees is urging state lawmakers to close a massive budget deficit at the agency.

Under the current state budget proposal, RIPTA now faces a $32 million deficit after COVID-era assistance funds dried up, and ridership still has not rebounded to pre-pandemic numbers.

In a letter to lawmakers Thursday, the union’s president said that not addressing the budget gap could mean laying off hundreds of employees, and cutting service.

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has responded to that letter telling ABC6 in part:

Rhode Islanders deserve a robust public transit system that is run efficiently and sustainably. In today’s tight fiscal climate, the senate finance committee will be considering all funding proposals, including funding for RIPTA.