VIDEO: Fung Calls for Staggered Work Hours, Increased Security at DMV Branches

VIDEO: Fung Calls for Staggered Work Hours, Increased Security at DMV Branches

Rhode Island Republican gubernatorial candidate Allan Fung announced his plans to make changes at the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles if elected Governor, at a press conference at the DMV Monday morning. 

“Here at the DMV, despite the integration of a new computer system - RIMS - the average wait time still exceeds 2 hours,” said Cranston Mayor Fung. “I have heard stories of people waiting hours for a simple address change, that is not right.” 

VIDEO: SEE FUNG DMV PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW

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Fung said he would stagger the work hours to offer early morning and evening hours across all branches, saying that depending on the day, a branch would open at 7 AM, while another day it may be open later until 8 PM -- and that he would also have the Cranston branch open on Saturday mornings to offer more flexibility for anyone needing to go to the DMV.

Reservations, Security

On Monday, Fung announced he would offer a reservation service for individual transactions, as had initially been utilized when the DMV switched to the RIMS, the reservation system worked very well. However, it was never followed through with and went by the wayside. Now it is only being used is for adjudications services. If the resources are there, it is important that we use them to their fullest abilities. 

Fung said he would team up with cities and towns to start a trial to renew registration and license renewals through their tax and/or clerk offices. The DMV will provide the computer hardware systems and training, and the state will provide a revenue share for those cities that choose to participate. The trial would not be mandatory.

“Rhode Islanders should not have to go through hours of frustration for a simple transaction. It's time the DMV becomes a smooth process that works for the people,” said Mayor Fung.

Fung also said he would add armed officers to all branches to be a preventative first step in preventing a disaster, and that there have also been complaints that some branches "lack a viable second exist," with the need for office redesigns to fit modern active shooter plans and protocols.