McKee Directs RIPTA to Restore Express Beach Run Service

McKee Directs RIPTA to Restore Express Beach Run Service

Days after GoLocal was first to report that RIPTA was going to cancel its express beach bus service serving the state's urban core this summer -- Governor Dan McKee has ordered the agency to reverse course. 

“I’ve directed RIPTA to continue the express beach bus service and our teams will collaborate to make sure Rhode Islanders know about these rides. With costs rising due to inflation this is not a time to be discontinuing this service," said McKee in a statement provided to GoLocal. 

The move comes after a series of articles by GoLocal on the issue.

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Timeline of Beach Bus Issue

As GoLocal reported Monday:

RIPTA has canceled its express beach bus runs for seven cities and towns for the upcoming summer season, GoLocal has learned.

While RIPTA claims that there are other beach transportation services for Rhode Islanders, ATU Vice President Joe Cole -- whose union represents RIPTA drivers -- is decrying the move. 

“[This comes] at a time when $5 a gallon for gas is approaching for the summer and RIPTA has the money to run this,” said Cole.

McKee had initially said he was "disappointed" in the move but was reluctant to call on RIPTA to reinstate the routes. 

Then, GoLocal reported that community members -- and Providence mayoral candidates — were highly critical of the move by RIPTA to cancel this year’s express beach runs from the state’s urban core to south county. 

Cole blamed RIPTA for not having a public awareness campaign for the routes — which he says now would be exorbitant for a family of four, as a direct round trip, instead of being $4, would be $12 using three buses. 

Senator Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence) -- who has been a legislative advocate for making RIPTA free for all riders -- decried the initial RIPTA decision. 

"In my view, the elimination of the beach bus program without public input is lazy, and an insult to urban communities like Pawtucket, Providence, and Central Falls who could benefit from the service," said Kallman. "The beach bus is a triumph of planning and a failure of communication. I am deeply disappointed in RIPTA for abandoning urban communities who could have regular access to RI beaches."

Now, RIPTA is going to restore the routes.