HUD Community Planning Challenge Grant – Transportation Corridors to Livable Communities

In 2011, the City of Providence was awarded a HUD Community Planning Challenge Grant that identified RIPTA as a partner.  This $1.75mil grant was given to the city to help it and RIPTA reach three primary goals:

  1. Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of transit service
    1. Reduce vehicle miles traveled
    2. Reduce household transportation costs
    3. Increase transit ridership
  2. Create vibrant neighborhood-based community hubs at key nodes
    1. Spur infill development
    2. Recycle vacant and underutilized land
    3. Stimulate private investment and institutional investment
  3. New Providence Zoning Ordinance
    1. Increase participation in the planning process
    2. Broaden land use discussion to include traditionally marginalized groups

At RIPTA, this grant is being utilized to facilitate improvements on 3 high ridership routes in Providence (Routes 20, 27, & 56) and the development of RIPTA’s first Rapid Bus Route, where Routes 11 & 99 currently exist.  This grant is being used as a means to review, update, and address RIPTA’s bus stop standards, service standards, and on-street presence within the state of Rhode Island.

For more information, please contact Greg Nordin, Transit Planner at RIPTA at gnordin@ripta.com or 784-9500 x237.

RIPTA hosted a public meeting for proposed changes to Route 20 that are to be constructed in concurrence with RIDOT’s resurfacing and restriping of Elmwood Avenue.  This meeting addressed the proposed removal and relocation of several bus stops to help increase the efficiency and customer experience of Route 20.  Upon finalization of these proposed changes, RIPTA will begin working with stakeholders in the corridor to identify areas for enhancement and increased amenities.

RIPTA is proposing the following changes:

  1. Removal of 44 underused, unsafe, and redundant bus stops
  2. Relocation of 15 unsafe bus stops
  3. Roadway improvements that allow RIPTA buses to access bus stops
  4. Improved signage at all remaining bus stops (81) to increase visibility and reduce conflicts with on-street parking

Construction of this project is scheduled to begin in Spring 2012 and will complete in Autumn 2013.  When RIDOT’s construction schedule is finalized, RIPTA will provide advanced notice of bus stop changes to the public.

Click here for a copy of handouts from the public meeting, including a list of all effected bus stops.

Click here for a copy of the presentation from the public meeting.

Click here to be taken to the City of Providence’s website regarding the Transportation Corridors to Livable Communities project.