August 1, 2025

Press Releases

RIPTA Releases Independent Operational Efficiency Study Final Report

Study Confirms No Immediate Cost-Saving Measures Available to Avoid Service Cuts

Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced that the independent efficiency study required by the State is now complete and available to the public at RIPTA.com/efficiencystudy. The study, conducted by an independent consultant at the request of Governor McKee and the General Assembly, was a condition of the FY2025 state budget and provides an in-depth review of RIPTA’s operations, costs, and performance. RIPTA previously released three draft sections of the study focused on peer agency comparisons, in order to inform state budget discussions.

Among the key findings:

• Despite serving an area more than twice the size of the average peer agency, RIPTA’s cost per trip is in line with peers.
• Administrative costs are below average, and overall operating costs are in line with similar transit providers.
• RIPTA maintains a higher farebox recovery rate and brings in more advertising revenue than most of its peers.
• Fixed-route service performs well, particularly in core urban corridors, and remains the backbone of the system.

The study also makes recommendations for long-term sustainability, including investing in high-performing routes, reassessing underperforming services with equity in mind, and leveraging technology to expand access and efficiency across the system.

RIPTA and its Board of Directors are in the process of reviewing and incorporating recommendations into the agency’s daily operations.

You can view the report here.

For more information on RIPTA’s programs and services, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-784-9500.