The Transit Hub Bond
In 2014, RITR was among several organizations that advocated for a statewide investment in public transportation infrastructure. Over 60% of voters voted in favor a referendum allocating 35 million dollars to the expansion and improvement of transit infrastructure across the state. The referendum was included on the ballot as follows:
“Approval of this question will allow the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed thirty-five million dollars ($35,000,000) to fund enhancements and renovations to mass transit hub infrastructure throughout the State of Rhode Island to improve access to multiple intermodal sites, key transportation, healthcare, and other locations.”
We believe that this voter-approved funding should be used with the input and support of bus riders and in accordance with the priorities set out by the Transit Master Plan – not for the destruction of Kennedy Plaza. These funds should be used to improve RIPTA for riders, not to satisfy the desires of Downtown real estate owners. To do otherwise would undermine public confidence in State leadership’s ability to responsibly use voter-approved bond funds.
Image courtesy of the Providence Journal
Rhode Island Transit Riders 