Strong Opposition to New RIPTA Proposal Impacting Kennedy Plaza, Calls For Raimondo to Intervene

Strong Opposition to New RIPTA Proposal Impacting Kennedy Plaza, Calls For Raimondo to Intervene

A growing group of organizations is calling on Governor Gina Raimondo to intervene and stop the new proposed transportation plan for Providence, Kennedy Plaza, and a proposed "bus hub" model. 

The plan being pushed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is coming under fire by the groups and has failed to include public input. The groups say the plan which requires many more bus transfers will discriminate against those that use and need public transportation the most — urban residents who have no other transportation — who are overwhelmingly minority as well as the elderly and disabled.

John Flaherty of GrowSmart RI joined GoLocal LIVE Tuesday and said it is critical for Raimondo to intervene to "stop the RIDOT plan and commit to a public process and involve the riders from the beginning in developing the plan-- we think that it's very doable. This doesn't have to be a years-long delay if she commits to it. It can be done in two to three months."

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

RIDOT is proposing to move the major RIPTA hub to the location of the National Grid building on Dyer Street in Providence, and critics say the "multi-hub" approach will result in more transfers - and didn't consult riders. 

“Any design on how to allocate the $35 million transportation bond approved by taxpayers in 2014 should not be driven by artificial deadlines without the benefit of transparency, data and public input. A building project of this magnitude, using public funds, that would relocate thousands of RIPTA passengers daily, requires more than a few weeks of public presentations. A legitimate public process should build public support, not catalyze widespread opposition,” said Sharon Steele, president of the Jewelry District Association.

Brent Runyon, executive director of PPS said, “PPS joins fellow organizations and concerned citizens who are baffled and frustrated by RIDOT’s unexpected introduction of a new transit proposal that included negligible public input. We respectfully request that RIDOT immediately pause the rollout and planning of this bus hub proposal at Dyer Street and engage in a true participatory process that balances needs of riders with our City's need for high-quality public space.”

“We believe a strengthened mass-transit system can help reinvigorate the downtowns of our core cities, strengthen Rhode Island’s economy, fight climate change, and improve the mobility of the many Rhode Island residents who cannot or choose not to drive. But for public transit to help realize these goals, transit users must be fully in the loop and heard in public hearings as the plans are developed,” Patricia Raub, chair of the RI Transit Alliance said.