February 1, 2012

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and Senator Juan M. Pichardo (District 2) will hold a community meeting to present suggested improvements to bus stops along Elmwood Avenue. The Route 20/Elmwood Avenue Project is part of RIPTA’s Key Bus Route Improvement Program. These proposed improvements are scheduled to be completed by October 2013. The meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Monday, February 27, 2012 in the RIPTA Conference Room, located at 269 Melrose 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.

The first set of proposals along Elmwood Avenue is going to be constructed as part of a RIDOT project between Cahir Street and Cadillac Drive.

The hearing room is accessible to persons with disabilities. RIPTA will provide interpreter services for the deaf and hearing impaired, provided such a request is made at least 48 hours prior to the hearing date. A request for this service can be made in writing or by calling (401) 784-9500, x171.

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