April 24, 2012

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and the City of Providence will hold a community meeting to present suggested transportation improvements along North MainStreet.  The Route 99/North Main Street Project is part of RIPTA’s Key Bus Route Improvement Program.  These proposed improvements are scheduled to be implemented by October 2013.  The meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Rochambeau Public Library, located at 708 Hope Street in Providence.

RIPTA is currently working with the City of Providence to improve the five highest ridership corridors in RIPTA’s system: Broad Street, North Main Street, Elmwood Avenue, Chalkstone Avenue and Manton Avenue.  Bus routes that serve these five corridors currently operate at a high frequency, 7 days a week, to meet passenger demand.  Improvements to these larger key corridors will include traffic signal prioritization (only implemented on Broad & North Main currently), reconfiguration of bus stops, branding of key corridors, and improved passenger amenities at bus stops.  The goals of this project are to improve bus performance and the overall passenger experience.

Community meetings such as these allow RIPTA to present proposed plans, as well collect valuable feedback from the public.

RIPTA will provide interpreter services for the deaf and hearing impaired, provided such a request is made at least 72 hours prior to the hearing date.  A request for this service can be made in writing or by calling (401) 784-9500, x183.

For more information on this project, e-mail Amy Pettine at apettine@ripta.com. For information on RIPTA services, passengers may call 781-9400.