RIPTA, Federal, State, and Local Officials Celebrate Opening of New Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center Passenger Facility
New amenity building features public restrooms and indoor waiting area
Providence, Rhode Island – Governor McKee, members of the State’s Congressional delegation and General Assembly, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), municipal leaders, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) gathered today to celebrate the opening of the new passenger amenity building at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center.
Located at 300 Pine Street in Pawtucket, the new passenger facility features public restrooms, driver restrooms and break room, a waiting area with seating and real-time passenger information screens, and a security office. RIPTA will also have a staffed customer service window to assist riders as needed. This new building will improve the passenger experience for both bus and rail passengers.
“We’re excited to welcome passengers to the new facility at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center, which represents the future we’re building — a transit system that’s modern, reliable, and centered on the people who use it every day,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “With amenities like public restrooms, comfortable waiting areas, real-time information and an on-site customer service window, this investment reinforces our commitment to providing a safe, accessible, and welcoming hub for both bus and rail customers. It also offers our drivers a comfortable space to recharge between trips. We’re grateful to Governor McKee and our federal, state, and local partners for making this important improvement possible for riders and employees alike.”
Routes 1, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 78, 80, and the R-Line serve the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center Passenger Facility, providing over 500 trips per day. RIPTA recorded over 241,000 boardings at this hub in 2025.
Governor McKee allocated $5 million for the construction of this 2,600-square-foot passenger facility building within his FY23 budget. Bentley Builders served as the general contractor constructing the building and BL Companies designed the facility.
“I’m proud to have been a day-one supporter of the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center, including providing state funding in my budget to help advance the new passenger amenities building,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This project complements the investments my administration has made across Pawtucket—from Centreville Bank Stadium to new housing and modern schools. Together, these projects will drive economic activity, support job growth, and create new opportunities for our entire state. I’m grateful to our partners for their collaboration.”
“I’ve been involved with the development of the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center since day one and have helped to deliver over $40 million in federal investments to make it a reality, drive economic development, and improve transit connectivity,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a leading member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The completion of this new passenger facility will make the state-of-the-art transit hub more comfortable and convenient for the growing number of riders who rely on this center to get where they need to go.”
“Our delegation secured significant federal investment to build the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center and make improvements to the neighborhood,” said Senator Whitehouse. “With this new amenity building, commuters will now have a warm place to wait for the train or bus during colder months. I want to thank Governor McKee for making it a reality.”
“The continued expansion of public transit hubs like the new facility at Pawtucket-Central Falls will make life more affordable for Rhode Islanders by making it cheaper to commute and by spurring the development of more housing across our state. I will continue to work hard to direct federal funding to Rhode Island to support projects like this,” said Congressman Magaziner.
“The opening of the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center Passenger Facility is an incredible milestone in the transformation of this community,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Whether commuting to work, venturing to civic and cultural experiences, or traveling via intermodal hubs across Rhode Island, federal and state investments in the Transit Center demonstrate what’s possible when we prioritize infrastructure that supports our communities.”
“Public transit should not be a mode of last resort for travelers but should instead be the most convenient, affordable, and attractive option to move around Rhode Island. This full-service amenity center will provide riders with both safety and comfort as they pass through the Pawtucket-Central Falls train station, furthering our commitment to a robust public transit system,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos
“The new Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center Passenger Facility represents a responsible and strategic investment in our state,” said General Treasurer James A. Diossa. “By leveraging state and federal resources, we’re delivering modern, safe, and accessible infrastructure that supports economic activity, and improves daily commutes. Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful transit investments can improve quality of life and connect communities across Rhode Island.”
“The General Assembly made a $15 million investment in our state budget for RIPTA and protected the RIde Anywhere program for riders with disabilities, because we recognize that RIPTA is a lifeline for the thousands of Rhode Islanders who rely upon it for transportation to work, school, medical appointments, food shopping, and so much more,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “The quality of the rider experience matters, and by creating a safe, comfortable, accessible space, we are making it easier for people to choose public transit.”
“The success of the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center has been a boon to Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure, a great addition to the community, and a big win for the hundreds of commuters who utilize it each day. The completion of the new passenger-amenity facility marks another milestone in this outstanding project, and on behalf of the Senate, I am grateful to everyone who has made it a reality,” said
Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence).
“The opening of this new passenger facility represents another major milestone in Pawtucket’s ongoing transformation,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “At a time when our city is experiencing unprecedented economic development and historic investment, particularly throughout the transit district, this modern, safe, and accessible facility significantly enhances the daily experience for the thousands of residents, workers, and visitors who rely on public transportation. The upgraded Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center is truly a regional hub, strengthening connectivity while supporting the vibrant, transit-oriented growth already underway downtown, with even more development on the horizon. I am deeply grateful to RIPTA and our federal and state partners for their continued collaboration and shared commitment to Pawtucket’s future.”
"Our Pawtucket–Central Falls Transit Center has been an amazing addition to our Central Falls community and economy, from connecting workers to jobs, students to school, families to different services, and customers to our businesses. The new passenger amenity building makes our Transit Center even better by improving comfort, safety, and accessibility for the many residents and visitors who rely on our Transit Center every day," said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. "Investments like this support economic opportunity, regional connections, and the success of our city at a time where we are growing quickly––from new housing developments to new businesses. I’m grateful to our federal, state, and local partners for continuing to invest in a future where public transit helps power Central Falls forward.”
“The Passenger Amenity Building is a great complement to the Pawtucket/Central Falls commuter rail station,” said FTA Regional Administrator Peter Butler. The Pawtucket/Central Falls community has embraced this federal and local investment, with daily commuter rail ridership far exceeding original estimates.”
“The Pawtucket/Central Falls transit center has been a winner from day one – and this new building will also be a winner,” said Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, Jr. “This transit center has spurred transit-oriented development around the station and has proven to be extremely popular with nearly 1,000 people a day getting on the trains. It’s a game changer for commuters and the cities.”
For more information on RIPTA services, passengers can call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.