May 11, 2017

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced today that Peter Pan Bus Lines and Greyhound Lines Inc. will relocate their bus stops from Kennedy Plaza to Sabin Street in front of the Rhode Island Convention Center, beginning Monday,  May 15, 2017.  The relocation of the private carriers was facilitated by RIPTA and the State, and will reduce bus traffic in Kennedy Plaza by up to 45 trips a day on average. 

In addition to the bus stop relocation, the private carriers will also move their ticket sales window from Kennedy Plaza to the Convention Center. The move comes just before RIPTA plans to announce summer service changes that will consolidate some bus stops in the Plaza and decrease bus waiting times there.

“RIPTA was pleased to work with the Convention Center and the private carriers in making this transition to Sabin Street,” said Ray Studley, CEO of RIPTA. “This move will not only reduce the bus presence in Kennedy Plaza, but will allow Peter Pan and Greyhound to continue to provide safe, efficient and comfortable accommodations for their customers.  This is another example of RIPTA’s efforts to assist the City and the State in creating a more community-oriented Kennedy Plaza – one that will allow accessible public transit use, but also provide civic opportunities for the downtown community.”

Governor Gina Raimondo said, “This announcement is an important sign of progress toward our goal of reducing the number of buses in Kennedy Plaza. I am grateful to RIPTA, Peter Pan and Greyhound for working collaboratively to make this a smooth transition.”

Officials from both Peter Pan and Greyhound said that they are looking forward to their new location at the Convention Center.  For Peter Pan it is a matter of coming full circle, since the company’s roots go back to the Interstate Busses Corporation (later known as Bonanza Bus Lines) which started operations on Sabin Street in the 1930s.  The Rhode Island-based company will keep its administrative offices and terminal at 1 Peter Pan Way in Providence, not far from North Main Street.  The family-owned company offers service out of Providence seven days a week and travels to more than 100 communities through the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.  To celebrate its new home at the Convention Center, Peter Pan Bus Lines will be offering $15 fares on all trips from Providence to New York City from May 15 through May 24, 2017.

Greyhound, which also offers service in Providence seven days a week, said it is ready for the move.  “Greyhound is excited to continue serving the Providence community from the Rhode Island Convention Center,” said Mike Fleischhauer, Regional Vice President of Greyhound Lines, Inc. “From this location customers will continue to enjoy a safe, comfortable and affordable travel experience on our buses.”  Greyhound’s service network consists of approximately 3,800 destinations across North America.

Visit https://www.greyhound.com/ or https://peterpanbus.com/ for more information on their services.

For more information on RIPTA’s programs and services, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400.