Key Bus Routes

RIPTA and the City of Providence, working in collaboration through the Transportation Corridors to Livable Communities project, have identified three bus routes as Key Bus Routes.  Key Bus Routes are characterized by high ridership and high service frequency.  The Key Bus Routes include Route 20 – Elmwood Ave, Route 27 – Broadway/Manton Ave, and Route 56 – Chalkstone Ave.

The primary goal of the Key Bus Routes program is to improve both the passenger experience and RIPTA’s operational efficiency with reduced trip times, improved passenger amenities, and standardized bus stop spacing.  While RIPTA and the City of Providence have identified the first three Key Bus Routes, this program will continue to develop and expand in the upcoming years as RIPTA identifies more routes and partner communities to further develop.

The Key Bus Routes project is funded primarily through a HUD Community Planning Challenge Grant and ARRA stimulus funds.  More information about the HUD Community Planning Challenge Grant can be found here.

The outcomes of the Key Bus Routes project include

• Standardized bus stop spacing with fewer clustered bus stops
• Improved accessibility for seniors and persons with disabilities
• Increased passenger amenities, including shelters, benches, trash cans, and real time information
• Reduced trip times

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

UPDATES

July 2012

As part of the Key Bus Routes program, RIPTA is proposing for the removal and realignment of several stops on Route 27 – Broadway/Manton Ave. and Route 56 – Chalkstone Ave.  These changes will allow RIPTA to reduce bus stop redundancy, operate more efficiently down each corridor, reduce conflicts with neighboring properties and parking, and focus investment on the remaining bus stops.  RIPTA is seeking feedback on these proposals.  RIPTA and the City of Providence will host a public meeting for both Chalkstone Ave. and Manton Ave. in early Fall 2012.

Click here for a copy of all proposed removed and realigned bus stops on Routes 27 & 56.

Click here to see a map of current bus stop spacing on Routes 27 & 56.

Click here to see a map of the proposed bus stop spacing on Route 27 & 56.

March 2012

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.