Save RIPTA Coalition says 40,000 riders would be impacted by proposed cuts

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Save RIPTA Coalition held a press conference Monday on proposed service cuts.

The coalition said that if the cuts go through workers could lose their jobs, students may not be able to get to class and older adults may not be able to get to the doctor or get their groceries.

They claim over 40,000 riders would be impacted by the cuts.

The chair of the Rhode Island Transit Riders shared a statement saying in part:

When bus hours are shortened, people can’t get to restaurant jobs at night…That first bus that serves medical workers will be cut…Weekend cuts mean people can’t get to religious services…And rural service will be gutted.

Coalition members are urging Governor McKee to secure other forms of funding.