Senate committee set to discuss RIPTA concerns raised by Ruggerio

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A hearing requested by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio into the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has been set for Monday.

According to an agenda, the Senate Oversight Committee will meet Monday night to take a look into RIPTA.

RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian is expected to attend, according to the agenda.

The meeting comes two weeks after Ruggerio called for Avedisian’s resignation over concerns with how the agency was operating.

In his resignation call, Ruggerio cited a driver shortage that impacted school bus routes in Providence and the awarding of a no-bid contract to a political ally of Avedisian.

Avedisian responded and gave no indication he will resign saying in part, “But there is a lot more to do. I look forward to having the opportunity to speak with the Senate about their concerns, then working together with them to secure the resources it will take to address the remaining challenges RIPTA faces.”

A spokesperson for Ruggerio said the Senate president plans on attending Monday’s hearing.