July 10, 2017

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced today that it will be holding public meetings this month as it works on updating Rhode Island’s Coordinated Public Transit/Human Services Transportation Plan as required by federal regulations.

The Coordinated Plan, which must be updated every five years, is intended to identify the transportation needs of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals.  It also creates an updated inventory of available transportation services for these populations – including transportation services provided by social service agencies and municipalities.  The plan will identify gaps in services and prioritize options for addressing service needs.

As part of its work on the Coordinated Plan, RIPTA will be hosting four informal public meetings this month in Cranston, Pawtucket, Newport and South Kingstown.  The goal is to hear about the transportation needs of the populations covered by the plan.  Individuals, families, caregivers and caseworkers are invited to attend as well as the general public.

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

SOUTH KINGSTOWN                                               

July 11, 2017 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM                       

South Kingstown Senior Center                               

25 St. Dominic Road, Wakefield

NEWPORT

July 18, 2017 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

MLK Community Center

20 Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Blvd., Newport

CRANSTON                                                               

July 13, 2017 / 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM                    

Cranston Senior Center

1070 Cranston Street, Cranston

PAWTUCKET

July 20, 2017 / 1:30 – 3:30 PM

Blackstone Valley CAP Community Center

210 West Avenue, Pawtucket

“Coordinated transportation planning is vital to every community,” said Barbara Polichetti, Director of Public Affairs for RIPTA.  “ Here in Rhode Island, it enables RIPTA and partner organizations to look at the transportation options for individuals with mobility needs, assess those options, and  put forth new ideas for enhancing service.  It is also a great tool for the public if they want to see what is available across the state, or in their home community.”

Rhode Island’s coordinated services plan was last updated in 2013.  It can be viewed on RIPTA’s website at http://bit.ly/2syCKML.

RIPTA is working with LSC Consultants of Denver, which was awarded the bid in March. The project cost of approximately $75,000 is largely covered by a federal grant and the project is slated to be completed this fall.  For project updates, please visit https://www.ripta.com/coordinated-plan.

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