https://www.ripta.com/publichearings/

RIPTA announced this week that they are still planning to make service cuts, on most of the same routes that were originally targeted for cuts this winter.  

Why service cuts?

The Governor has been signaling that RIPTA needs to be “more efficient.”  This apparently means cutting back on routes with fewer riders.  This is a very bad idea.  Reducing service only discourages more riders from taking the bus.  Access to convenient transportation is a right, just like access to an education or affordable housing.  The State shouldn’t penalize riders because RIPTA can’t make ends meet.  The reason RIPTA faces a deficit is because the agency isn’t getting enough funding.  

What is the impact of these cuts?

People on less-traveled routes need to get to work just like anyone else.  If bus routes are reduced or dropped, it not only hurts those fixed-route riders.  It also means that those disabled passengers who depend upon RIDE paratransit vans are also stranded because they will now be living outside the 3/4-mile radius of a bus line and will no longer be entitled to use RIDE vans. 

What bus lines are slated to be reduced or cut?

Of the twenty-nine routes that were originally targeted for reductions, only four are completely saved from reductions in this new revision (9X, 10X, 30, 69), sixteen routes still have reductions that seem just as bad as before (QX, 6, 12X, 14, 18, 21, 29, 59X, 61X, 65X, 75, 76, 80, 87, 88, 95X), nine routes that were originally slated for reductions now have less severe ones (4, 13, 16, 23, 58, 64, 68, 71, 73), and one route that was originally not going to be cut now has some reductions (route 3).  Almost 40% of RIPTA’s sixty-eight routes will see negative impacts.  Seven routes will be completely eliminated (QX, 12X, 59X, 61X, 76, 80, 88).  For two of those eliminated routes (76 and 80), there will be a partial replacement in the form of a new route 70 that covers some of the same territory.  More details here:

A RIPTA spokesperson has clarified: We’re hosting public hearings to present proposals for NEW mitigated service changes. For example, in February, we had originally proposed eliminating Sunday service on Route 4. Based on public input, we are now proposing a reduction in service hours on Sundays instead. Since we did not present this specific change in February, we must conduct new hearings. These new changes primarily affect routes in Providence and Kent counties, so we are only holding hearings in those areas. Previously proposed changes that we will request board approval for – like the elimination of Route QX – do not require a new set of hearings. All testimony submitted at public hearings was shared with the Board of Directors. Please note, our goal is to reinstate service levels once our workforce shortage is resolved.

https://www.ripta.com/publichearings/

Speak out at public hearings:

Mon Apr 8, PROVIDENCE Foundation, 30 Exchange Terrace, 12-2 & 5-7pm

Mon Apr 15, WEST WARWICK Public Library, 1043 Main St, 12-2 & 5-7pm

Thur April 18, PAWTUCKET Public Library, 13 Summer Street 5 to 7 pm.

Comment at RIPTA’s April 25 board meeting:  Public comment at 1:30 pm. The cuts will be voted on at RIPTA’s April 25 board meeting.