June 25, 2014

Officials from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), Federal Transit Administration, Rhode Island Congressional Delegation and the City of Providence will join Governor Lincoln Chafee for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially celebrate the launch of the R-Line, RIPTA’s first rapid bus line.

RIPTA converted its two highest used bus routes in the state (Routes 11 and 99) into one single Rapid Bus route called the R-Line featuring faster, higher-quality service.  This new service, launched on Saturday, June 21, 2014, will run along North Main and Broad Streets, connecting both Pawtucket and South Providence to downtown Providence.   The R-Line features uniquely branded stops, transit signal priority, Art in Transit bus shelters, frequent service, uniquely branded buses and added amenities that will significantly improve the speed and attractiveness of bus service.   The R-Line is expected to improve travel time by up to 12% for passengers in the 7 mile corridor; service runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes at night.

The ribbon cutting celebration will take place in the parking lot of the Salvation Army Community Center located at 386 Broad Street in Providence on Friday, June 27, 2014 at 11:00am sharp.  A sample of the R-Line bus will be on display at Trinity Square, a major stop along the route, which features an Art in Transit bus shelter and added passengers amenities.

Who: Governor Lincoln Chafee, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressmen  Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, Mayor Angel Taveras, the Federal Transit Administration, RIPTA Board Chairman and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, RIPTA CEO Raymond Studley, AS220 staff and artists, and transit and community leaders.

When: 11:00 a.m.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Where: Salvation Army Community Center

Trinity Square

386 Broad Street, Providence, Rhode Island

For a more information, please call 401-781-9400 or visit ripta.com.