RIPTA to Hold 10 Public Hearings and Five Public Forums on Proposed Service Reductions Statewide
HIGH FUEL COSTS AND REDUCED REVENUE FROM STATE GAS TAX PRODUCE SHORTFALL AND DRIVE SERVICE REDUCTION
September 22, 2008 - Providence, RI... Proposed Reductions Would Also Impact ADA Service
Forums and Hearings Scheduled for September 24th to October 7th
in Narragansett, Warwick, Barrington, Newport, Smithfield,
Pawtucket, Providence and Burrillville
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will hold public hearings and public forums on proposed service reductions in all five Rhode Island counties on September 24th, September 25th, September 26th, September 29th, September 30th, October 1st, October 2nd , October 3rd, October 6th and October 7th. The Authority announced that the reductions in service statewide are due to a $10.8 million shortfall for FY 2009 (which began on July 1st) that is caused principally by a reduction in revenue from the state gas tax and the high cost of fuel to operate the system.
The proposed cuts would affect 50 regular bus routes, 3 Flex zones and 8 Park n’ Rides and include the following changes: eliminating routes or route segments; decreasing service frequency; ending service at 7 pm on weekdays on many routes; and shutting down service at 7 pm on weekends on many routes. RIPTA is also proposing to eliminate all Holiday Bus Service, all Supplemental Summer Beach Bus Service, all Flex Service in Narragansett, Tiverton and West Warwick and eight Park n’ Ride routes.
Additionally, because ADA service is offered within a ¾ mile corridor of fixed-route service, the paratransit ADA service that RIPTA provides through the RIde Program would also be reduced wherever there is the elimination of a route or a segment of a route.
"Six years ago, RIPEC (RI Public Expenditure Council) reported that the existing transit system couldn’t be sustained over time because the principal means of funding transit in RI, the state gas tax, doesn’t grow and keep pace with inflation. Now, RIPTA’s revenue from the state gas tax is down because people are driving less. But fuel and other costs affected by the price of fuel are up so we are facing a significant shortfall. To sustain the current system, we need more than one funding source or a fund dedicated to transit, which is what other transit agencies have. We want to be able to continue to create a first class transit system for Rhode Island but that’s not possible with our current funding stream. Transit agencies across the country that depend on only one revenue source, like the gas tax, are experiencing the same problem coupled with a high demand for transit,” said RIPTA General Manager Alfred J. Moscola.
“This year fuel costs and reduced revenue from the gas tax created a $12.2 million shortfall. We’ve reduced that number to $10.8 million by increasing advertising revenue and decreasing costs by taking such measures as deferring six (6) general overhauls, deferring capital projects requiring a local match, leaving twelve (12) staff vacancies unfilled, and reducing building maintenance supplies. None of these help to improve the system. Worse, after all the internal cost cutting we still have an almost $11 million shortfall so now we’re forced to cut service. And we don’t want to do that. We want to improve and expand the system to better serve the people of our state as well as tourists. We need a first class transit system if we want economic development in Rhode Island. Unfortunately, after years of cost-cutting, we’ve run out of options,” explained Moscola.
“In planning these reductions, we've focused on preserving as many Monday through Friday daytime trips to the workplace as possible," he added.
The proposed service reductions include the elimination of routes, or route segments, or service as follows:
Regular Route and Flex Service Eliminations
Rte. 8 Jefferson Boulevard
Rte. 24 West Bay Shopper
Rte. 49 Camp Street
Rte. 53 Smithfield Avenue
Rte. 62 Thames Street
Rte. 64 Newport/URI
Rte. 73 Fairlawn/CCRI
Rte. 80 Armistice Boulevard
Rte. 203 Narragansett Flex
Rte. 233 Tiverton Flex
Rte. 242 West Warwick Flex
Park n’ Ride Eliminations
Rte. 90 A (W.Warwick/Arctic/Crompton)
Rte. 90 A (Warwick)
Rte. 90 C (Cumberland)
Rte. 90 S (Scituate)
Rte. 90 W (Richmond)
Rte. 90 W (West Greenwich)
Rte. 90 W (Hopkinton)
Rte. 90 W (Westerly)
Route Segment Eliminations Eliminated Segment
Rte. 1 Eddy Street All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 9 Pascoag All service beyond Apple Valley
Rte. 11 Broad Street All Prairie/Colony House trip deviations
Rte. 19 Plainfield Street Service from Marconi Square to Wal-Mart
Rte. 20 Elmwood Avenue Service between Wellington at Elmwood & Park Square
Rte. 22 Pontiac Avenue Service between Pastore Center and CCRI
Rte. 27 Manton Avenue All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 28 Hartford Avenue All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 55 Admiral Street All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 57 Smith Street All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 61 Memorial Boulevard All supplemental Summer Beach Bus service
Rte. 66 URI/Galilee All supplemental Summer Beach Bus service
Elimination of Saturday Service
Rte. 14 West Bay
Rte. 29 Kent County
Rte. 79 Columbus Avenue
Rte. 91 Gold Line Trolley
Elimination of Sunday Service
Rte. 34 East Providence
Elimination of All Weekend Service
Rte. 76 Central Avenue
Reduction in Trip Frequency or Number of Trips
Rte 1 Eddy Street
Rte. 11 Broad Street
Rte. 17 Dyer Avenue
Rte. 18 Union Avenue
Rte. 19 Plainfield Street
Rte. 20 Elmwood Avenue
Rte. 28 Hartford Avenue
Rte. 30 Oaklawn Avenue
Rte. 31 Cranston Street
Rte. 33 Riverside
Rte. 34 East Providence
Rte. 42 Hope Street
Rte. 50 Douglas Avenue
Rte. 52 Branch Avenue
Rte. 54 Woonsocket (all express trips eliminated)
Rte. 56 Chalkstone Avenue
Rte. 57 Smith Street
Rte. 58 Mineral Spring Avenue
Rte. 77 Benefit/Broadway
Rte. 99 Providence/Pawtucket
Service Ends at 7 pm on Weekdays
Rte. 1 Eddy Street
Rte. 3 Warwick Avenue
Rte. 11 Broad Street
Rte. 13 Arctic/Washington
Rte. 17 Dyer Avenue
Rte. 19 Plainfield Street
Rte. 20 Elmwood Avenue
Rte. 22 Pontiac Avenue
Rte. 26 Atwells/RIC
Rte. 27 Manton Avenue
Rte. 28 Hartford Avenue
Rte. 30 Oaklawn Avenue
Rte. 31 Cranston Street
Rte. 33 Riverside
Rte. 34 East Providence
Rte. 42 Hope Street
Rte. 50 Douglas Avenue
Rte. 52 Branch Avenue
Rte. 54 Woonsocket
Rte. 55 Admiral Street
Rte. 56 Chalkstone
Rte. 57 Smith Street
Rte. 60 Providence/Newport
Rte. 63 Broadway
Rte. 66 URI/Galilee
Rte. 67 Bellevue
Rte. 71 Broad Street
Rte. 72 Weeden Street
Rte. 76 Central
Rte. 77 Benefit/Broadway
Rte. 78 Beverage Hill
Rte. 87 Fairmount/Walnut Hill
Rte. 92 Green Line Trolley
Rte. 99 Providence/Pawtucket
Service Ends at 7 pm on both Saturday & Sunday
Rte. 1 Eddy Street
Rte. 3 Warwick Avenue
Rte. 11 Broad Street
Rte. 19 Plainfield Street
Rte. 20 Elmwood Avenue
Rte. 22 Pontiac Avenue
Rte. 27 Manton Avenue
Rte. 28 Hartford Avenue
Rte. 31 Cranston Street
Rte. 33 Riverside
Rte. 34 East Providence
Rte. 42 Hope Street
Rte. 50 Douglas Avenue
Rte. 54 Woonsocket
Rte. 56 Chalkstone
Rte. 57 Smith Street
Rte. 60 Providence/Newport
Rte. 66 URI/Galilee
Rte. 67 Bellevue
Rte. 71 Broad Street
Rte. 72 Weeden Street
Rte. 99 Providence/Pawtucket
Service Ends at 7 pm on Saturday
Rte. 13 Arctic/Washington
Rte. 17 Dyer Avenue
Rte. 31 Cranston Avenue
Rte. 55 Admiral Street
Rte. 63 Broadway
Rte. 77 Benefit/Broadway
Rte. 78 Beverage Hill
Schedule for Public Hearings and Public Forums
The public hearing and forum schedule is as follows:
PROVIDENCE
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Elmwood Community Center
155 Niagra Street
Providence, RI 02907
Time: 5:30 pm – 8 pm
WESTERLY
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Westerly Town Hall
Town Council Chambers
45 Broad Street
Westerly, RI
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
NARRAGANSETT Friday, September 26, 2008
Narragansett Town Hall
25 Fifth Avenue
Narragansett, RI 02882
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: Assembly Room
WARWICK
Monday, September 29, 2008
Warwick City Hall
3275 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02806
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: Council Chambers
BARRINGTON
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Barrington Public Library
281 County Road
Barrington, RI 02806
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: 2nd Floor Auditorium
PROVIDENCE
Thursday, October 2, 2008
DaVinci Community Center
470 Charles Street
Providence, RI 02904
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: Central Room
SMITHFIELD
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Smithfield Senior Center
1 Wm J. Hawkins, Jr. Trail
Smithfield, RI 02828
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6:30 pm-8 pm
Location: Cafeteria Room
PAWTUCKET
Friday, October 3, 2008
Blackstone Valley Visitor Center
175 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
BURRILLVILLE
Monday, October 6, 2008
Burrillville High School Auditorium
425 East Avenue
Harrisville, RI 02830
Time: 6 pm –8 pm
NEWPORT
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Newport Public Library
300 Spring Street
Newport, RI 02840
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: Program Room
A 72-hour notice is required for persons with sensory impairment requiring auxiliary aids at public hearings. To request this service, members of the public should contact the RIPTA ADA Coordinator at 401-784-9553 (TDD) or 800-745-5555 (RI Relay TDD).
-30-
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will hold public hearings and public forums on proposed service reductions in all five Rhode Island counties on September 24th, September 25th, September 26th, September 29th, September 30th, October 1st, October 2nd , October 3rd, October 6th and October 7th. The Authority announced that the reductions in service statewide are due to a $10.8 million shortfall for FY 2009 (which began on July 1st) that is caused principally by a reduction in revenue from the state gas tax and the high cost of fuel to operate the system.
The proposed cuts would affect 50 regular bus routes, 3 Flex zones and 8 Park n’ Rides and include the following changes: eliminating routes or route segments; decreasing service frequency; ending service at 7 pm on weekdays on many routes; and shutting down service at 7 pm on weekends on many routes. RIPTA is also proposing to eliminate all Holiday Bus Service, all Supplemental Summer Beach Bus Service, all Flex Service in Narragansett, Tiverton and West Warwick and eight Park n’ Ride routes.
Additionally, because ADA service is offered within a ¾ mile corridor of fixed-route service, the paratransit ADA service that RIPTA provides through the RIde Program would also be reduced wherever there is the elimination of a route or a segment of a route.
"Six years ago, RIPEC (RI Public Expenditure Council) reported that the existing transit system couldn’t be sustained over time because the principal means of funding transit in RI, the state gas tax, doesn’t grow and keep pace with inflation. Now, RIPTA’s revenue from the state gas tax is down because people are driving less. But fuel and other costs affected by the price of fuel are up so we are facing a significant shortfall. To sustain the current system, we need more than one funding source or a fund dedicated to transit, which is what other transit agencies have. We want to be able to continue to create a first class transit system for Rhode Island but that’s not possible with our current funding stream. Transit agencies across the country that depend on only one revenue source, like the gas tax, are experiencing the same problem coupled with a high demand for transit,” said RIPTA General Manager Alfred J. Moscola.
“This year fuel costs and reduced revenue from the gas tax created a $12.2 million shortfall. We’ve reduced that number to $10.8 million by increasing advertising revenue and decreasing costs by taking such measures as deferring six (6) general overhauls, deferring capital projects requiring a local match, leaving twelve (12) staff vacancies unfilled, and reducing building maintenance supplies. None of these help to improve the system. Worse, after all the internal cost cutting we still have an almost $11 million shortfall so now we’re forced to cut service. And we don’t want to do that. We want to improve and expand the system to better serve the people of our state as well as tourists. We need a first class transit system if we want economic development in Rhode Island. Unfortunately, after years of cost-cutting, we’ve run out of options,” explained Moscola.
“In planning these reductions, we've focused on preserving as many Monday through Friday daytime trips to the workplace as possible," he added.
The proposed service reductions include the elimination of routes, or route segments, or service as follows:
Regular Route and Flex Service Eliminations
Rte. 8 Jefferson Boulevard
Rte. 24 West Bay Shopper
Rte. 49 Camp Street
Rte. 53 Smithfield Avenue
Rte. 62 Thames Street
Rte. 64 Newport/URI
Rte. 73 Fairlawn/CCRI
Rte. 80 Armistice Boulevard
Rte. 203 Narragansett Flex
Rte. 233 Tiverton Flex
Rte. 242 West Warwick Flex
Park n’ Ride Eliminations
Rte. 90 A (W.Warwick/Arctic/Crompton)
Rte. 90 A (Warwick)
Rte. 90 C (Cumberland)
Rte. 90 S (Scituate)
Rte. 90 W (Richmond)
Rte. 90 W (West Greenwich)
Rte. 90 W (Hopkinton)
Rte. 90 W (Westerly)
Route Segment Eliminations Eliminated Segment
Rte. 1 Eddy Street All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 9 Pascoag All service beyond Apple Valley
Rte. 11 Broad Street All Prairie/Colony House trip deviations
Rte. 19 Plainfield Street Service from Marconi Square to Wal-Mart
Rte. 20 Elmwood Avenue Service between Wellington at Elmwood & Park Square
Rte. 22 Pontiac Avenue Service between Pastore Center and CCRI
Rte. 27 Manton Avenue All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 28 Hartford Avenue All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 55 Admiral Street All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 57 Smith Street All service beyond Providence city line
Rte. 61 Memorial Boulevard All supplemental Summer Beach Bus service
Rte. 66 URI/Galilee All supplemental Summer Beach Bus service
Elimination of Saturday Service
Rte. 14 West Bay
Rte. 29 Kent County
Rte. 79 Columbus Avenue
Rte. 91 Gold Line Trolley
Elimination of Sunday Service
Rte. 34 East Providence
Elimination of All Weekend Service
Rte. 76 Central Avenue
Reduction in Trip Frequency or Number of Trips
Rte 1 Eddy Street
Rte. 11 Broad Street
Rte. 17 Dyer Avenue
Rte. 18 Union Avenue
Rte. 19 Plainfield Street
Rte. 20 Elmwood Avenue
Rte. 28 Hartford Avenue
Rte. 30 Oaklawn Avenue
Rte. 31 Cranston Street
Rte. 33 Riverside
Rte. 34 East Providence
Rte. 42 Hope Street
Rte. 50 Douglas Avenue
Rte. 52 Branch Avenue
Rte. 54 Woonsocket (all express trips eliminated)
Rte. 56 Chalkstone Avenue
Rte. 57 Smith Street
Rte. 58 Mineral Spring Avenue
Rte. 77 Benefit/Broadway
Rte. 99 Providence/Pawtucket
Service Ends at 7 pm on Weekdays
Rte. 1 Eddy Street
Rte. 3 Warwick Avenue
Rte. 11 Broad Street
Rte. 13 Arctic/Washington
Rte. 17 Dyer Avenue
Rte. 19 Plainfield Street
Rte. 20 Elmwood Avenue
Rte. 22 Pontiac Avenue
Rte. 26 Atwells/RIC
Rte. 27 Manton Avenue
Rte. 28 Hartford Avenue
Rte. 30 Oaklawn Avenue
Rte. 31 Cranston Street
Rte. 33 Riverside
Rte. 34 East Providence
Rte. 42 Hope Street
Rte. 50 Douglas Avenue
Rte. 52 Branch Avenue
Rte. 54 Woonsocket
Rte. 55 Admiral Street
Rte. 56 Chalkstone
Rte. 57 Smith Street
Rte. 60 Providence/Newport
Rte. 63 Broadway
Rte. 66 URI/Galilee
Rte. 67 Bellevue
Rte. 71 Broad Street
Rte. 72 Weeden Street
Rte. 76 Central
Rte. 77 Benefit/Broadway
Rte. 78 Beverage Hill
Rte. 87 Fairmount/Walnut Hill
Rte. 92 Green Line Trolley
Rte. 99 Providence/Pawtucket
Service Ends at 7 pm on both Saturday & Sunday
Rte. 1 Eddy Street
Rte. 3 Warwick Avenue
Rte. 11 Broad Street
Rte. 19 Plainfield Street
Rte. 20 Elmwood Avenue
Rte. 22 Pontiac Avenue
Rte. 27 Manton Avenue
Rte. 28 Hartford Avenue
Rte. 31 Cranston Street
Rte. 33 Riverside
Rte. 34 East Providence
Rte. 42 Hope Street
Rte. 50 Douglas Avenue
Rte. 54 Woonsocket
Rte. 56 Chalkstone
Rte. 57 Smith Street
Rte. 60 Providence/Newport
Rte. 66 URI/Galilee
Rte. 67 Bellevue
Rte. 71 Broad Street
Rte. 72 Weeden Street
Rte. 99 Providence/Pawtucket
Service Ends at 7 pm on Saturday
Rte. 13 Arctic/Washington
Rte. 17 Dyer Avenue
Rte. 31 Cranston Avenue
Rte. 55 Admiral Street
Rte. 63 Broadway
Rte. 77 Benefit/Broadway
Rte. 78 Beverage Hill
Schedule for Public Hearings and Public Forums
The public hearing and forum schedule is as follows:
PROVIDENCE
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Elmwood Community Center
155 Niagra Street
Providence, RI 02907
Time: 5:30 pm – 8 pm
WESTERLY
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Westerly Town Hall
Town Council Chambers
45 Broad Street
Westerly, RI
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
NARRAGANSETT Friday, September 26, 2008
Narragansett Town Hall
25 Fifth Avenue
Narragansett, RI 02882
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: Assembly Room
WARWICK
Monday, September 29, 2008
Warwick City Hall
3275 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02806
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: Council Chambers
BARRINGTON
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Barrington Public Library
281 County Road
Barrington, RI 02806
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: 2nd Floor Auditorium
PROVIDENCE
Thursday, October 2, 2008
DaVinci Community Center
470 Charles Street
Providence, RI 02904
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: Central Room
SMITHFIELD
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Smithfield Senior Center
1 Wm J. Hawkins, Jr. Trail
Smithfield, RI 02828
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6:30 pm-8 pm
Location: Cafeteria Room
PAWTUCKET
Friday, October 3, 2008
Blackstone Valley Visitor Center
175 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
BURRILLVILLE
Monday, October 6, 2008
Burrillville High School Auditorium
425 East Avenue
Harrisville, RI 02830
Time: 6 pm –8 pm
NEWPORT
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Newport Public Library
300 Spring Street
Newport, RI 02840
Times:
2 pm-4 pm
6 pm-8 pm
Location: Program Room
A 72-hour notice is required for persons with sensory impairment requiring auxiliary aids at public hearings. To request this service, members of the public should contact the RIPTA ADA Coordinator at 401-784-9553 (TDD) or 800-745-5555 (RI Relay TDD).