July 21, 2014

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority(RIPTA) will hold public hearings on the proposed elimination of Route 49 (Camp Street/Miriam Hospital) on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at University of Rhode Island Feinstein Providence Campus Auditorium.  The Authority announced that the proposed elimination of service is a result of low ridership. 

Although Route 49 is scheduled for elimination, RIPTA increased its transit investment in this
neighborhood with the recent launch of two new routes – super Route 1 (Eddy/Hope/Benefit) and the R-Line (Broad/North Main). The new key corridor Route 1 provides service to T.F. Green and the South Attleboro Train Station, while 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.   Passengers will still be able to access the area served by Route 49 using these two new routes.

RIPTA recently completed a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA), a statewide review of transit services which included the development of minimum guidelines for service level and performance for all routes.  The study has undertaken a detailed review process to identify where people live and work, how each bus route is performing today, and where changes might possibly be made to better serve riders.  Proposed changes are designed to work within RIPTA’s existing budget, and the intent is to direct transit resources where they would be most effective.  These service changes do not reflect a reduction in RIPTA’s budget but are a reallocation of service to areas where there is increased demand for service.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE 2014

University of Rhode Island

Feinstein
Providence Campus Auditorium

80 Washington Street,
Providence, RI 02903

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

10:00AM – 12:00PM

6:00PM – 8:00PM

A 72-hour notice is required for persons with sensory impairment requiring auxiliary aids at public
hearings.  To request this service, members of the public should contact 401-784-9500 x242 or 800-745-5555 (RI Relay TDD).