Big Changes at RIPTA
GoLocalProv News Team
Big Changes at RIPTA
Kezaian, the former Johnson and Wales legal counsel is expected to serve as Chair of the Board and will replace Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian who recently resigned.
As GoLocal reported in May, "In the past two years, three people have been killed by RIPTA buses and dozens have been injured. Now a lawsuit in the 2015 death of nine-year-old Ani Emdjian raises serious concerns about RIPTA’s safety and training of its drivers."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRaimondo submitted the three nominees to the Rhode Island Senate for confirmation.
"A 21st century economy requires a 21st century public transit system," said Raimondo. "The key to a responsive, reliable, and safe RIPTA service is innovative board members who understand the importance of RIPTA to its diverse ridership, businesses, and communities throughout the state. I am confident that Josh, Wayne, and Karen share my vision that public transit should do more than move people from A to B; it should also move at the speed of business."
General Assembly Also Looking for Changes
The General Assembly on Thursday also passed legislation by Rep. Eileen S. Naughton (D-Dist. 21, Warwick) and Sen. Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence ) that changes the composition of the RIPTA’s Baord
The bills (2016-H 7329, 2016-S 2373) would provide that the governor’s appointments to the RIPTA authority would include a regular user of fixed-route RIPTA transportation and add at least one member of the board by a disabled person. The measure now heads to the governor for signature.
“It is imperative that a member of the board be someone who actually rides a fixed route,” said Representative Naughton. “The board needs to have direct experience of what it’s like to regularly ride on one of their buses — to interact with the driver and passengers, see the condition of Kennedy Plaza, and understand the issues that come up during day-to-day operation. Having a regular rider present to offer those experiences will help the board in developing policies that affect riders.”
“RIPTA services are of particular importance to the disabled community in Rhode Island, since many of them cannot drive,” explained Senator Pichardo. “Disabled use of RIPTA buses will continue to increase as we improve our efforts to integrate more and more of the disabled population into our communities.”
Don Rhodes, President, RIPTA Riders Alliance, in a press released criticized a new fair increase, “Some of Rhode Island's most vulnerable people were dealt a serious blow
in the recently released House budget. Disabled and senior Rhode Islanders are going to be hit with a bus fare hike now expected to start in January.”
Rhodes added, “Hundreds of seniors and disabled people have given moving testimony over the past year about how they can't afford this bus fare hike on their limited income and will be stuck inside their residences, rarely able to go out. Advocates had called for the House budget to include money to prevent the fare hike. RIPTA Riders Alliance is disappointed that the House budget did not do this.”
RIPTA Crashes - 2016
May 9, 2016
A RIPTA bus crashed into the western entrance of the East Side Trolley Tunnel by College Hill on Monday afternoon.
Witnesses say it looked serious and nine were injured.
"When I got there, it had already happened, but it looked pretty bad," said local artist Philippe Lejeune, who was on the scene. "There were ambulances taking people away."
March 1, 2016
Four passengers and a bus driver were injured when a RIPTA bus crashed into a street lamp at Francis and Gaspee Streets by Providence Place Mall.
The crash was reported at about 2:11 p.m. at Francis and Gaspee streets.
The bus knocked down a street lamp. The RIPTA driver was cited for the accident.
Jan 25, 2016
A Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus crashed into a building in Warwick, sending three people to the hospital. The crash destroyed a commercial building and those business are still displaced today.
September 13, 2015
On September 13, 2015, a RIPTA driver was arrested for disobeying the orders of a Providence Police officer.
The bus driver, according to Providence Police, was arrested for failing to comply with an Providence Police’s order to move his bus.
May 20, 2015
A woman was killed when she was trapped under a bus on Broad Street.
Bobbie Moore died three months from injuries after the accident.
May 29, 2014
A RIPTA transit bus struck Frank McKnight while he was walking in a crosswalk from the Federal District Court building to the John O. Pastore building.
STATEMENT FROM UNITED STATES MARSHAL JAMIE A. HAINSWORTH:
I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of federal Court Security Officer Frank McKnight, 69, of North Kingstown. Officer McKnight passed away at Rhode Island Hospital at 6:30 this evening. Officer McKnight’s family was by his side.
A retired North Kingstown police officer with 25 years of service, having retired at the rank of Lieutenant, Officer McKnight was a court security officer for the past 13 years, most recently assigned to the U.S. District Court building.
Officer McKnight was a dedicated, career law enforcement officer and public servant who came to work daily eager and ready to serve, brandishing a positive attitude and always with a smile. His distinguished career will be heralded. His absence will be greatly felt by all that he worked with and served.
