RIPTA Drops Plans for 195 Land, Looks to Move Hub Near Train Station

RIPTA Drops Plans for 195 Land, Looks to Move Hub Near Train Station

RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand issued a statement late Monday on the future of the Providence Transit Center — which is presently located at Kennedy Plaza.

 

“Part of our efforts to improve the rider experience includes the development of a new state-of-the-art transit center in Providence.  We embarked on a comprehensive process, exploring numerous locations and engaging the public through numerous meetings and surveys,” said Durand.

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“Based on a thorough analysis and consideration of public feedback, we are no longer considering the I-195 parcel as a potential site. We are evaluating several potential locations, with high priority given to those in close proximity to the Providence Train Station. The Next Wave team and RIPTA have been seeking additional engineering information, which will allow Next Wave to make a more informed formal recommendation for a potential site,” Durand added.

 

“Once we have a recommended site, we will hold an additional round of public input opportunities to share the ideas that have been developed after much work this summer,” he added.

 

The debate over the future of a new transit facility has dragged on for the past four years.

 

A number of downtown business leaders, including Joe Paolino, have urged that the transit center be removed from Kennedy Center — which has become a hub for crime, the homeless, and the illegal drug trade.

 

Others have advocated for the transit center to remain and be improved.