With Multi-Hub RIPTA Plan Scrapped, What is Downtown Providence's Transportation Future?

With Multi-Hub RIPTA Plan Scrapped, What is Downtown Providence's Transportation Future?

 

RIPTA’s announcement that the controversial so-called multi-hub plan is dead, the focus now shifts the focus of moving much of RIPTA’s activities in downtown Providence from Kennedy Plaza to Dorrance Street near the Garrahy Court House

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The multi-hub plan was first proposed in 2020 by the administration of Gina Raimondo and immediately drew criticism from a wide range of environmental and Providence-based community groups. The abandonment of the multi-hub plan is the second time in recent years the RI Department of Transportation's Director Peter Alviti has seen his vision for RIPTA rejected. A previous Alviti plan called for the bus operation to go underground at Kennedy Plaza/Burnside Park area.

“At the direction of Governor McKee, RIPTA will work with RIDOT on creating a new transit center focused on downtown bus service and the passenger experience,” said Scott Avedisian, Chief Executive Officer. “We’re extremely excited about the direction this project has taken, as it presents us with an opportunity to dramatically improve the passenger experience in downtown Providence that we have never had before.”

One of the strongest advocates of moving RIPTA from Kennedy Plaza is one of the city's biggest developers Joe Paolino. 

“Eight years ago, voters approved borrowing $35 million to improve public transit in our downtown. Since that time, there have been multiple proposals aimed at improving transit, safety, and ridership in the heart of our city,” said Paolino, who owns one of the city's largest office buildings and recently opened the Beatrice Hotel both adjacent to Kennedy Plaza.

“This most recent proposal, which will relocate the main transit center farther down Dorrance Street, near the Garrahy Courthouse, seems to have the most support from the various stakeholders involved. I am also in support of this plan, with the understanding that there will be housing, retail stores, amenities, social service agencies and sufficient parking for buses,” said Paolino.

“I believe that this coordinated effort will improve traffic safety and provide much-needed services to our residents and riders. With proper execution, this proposed plan will be an important cornerstone of the transportation network in downtown Providence,” he added. 

 

 

 

RIPTA Calls for Input

In light of the City of Providence’s proposed changes to reimagine Kennedy Plaza, RIPTA and RIDOT will focus on the development of a new transit center on Dorrance Street.

The new plan shifts much of the activity to be located near another new city hotel - the Aloft.

Passengers are invited to view the proposed changes at RIPTA.com/TransitCenter and submit their feedback at one of several virtual meetings.

 

 

Virtual Public Meeting Schedule

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • Time: 6 PM

Tuesday, March 8, 2022 • Times: 12 PM and 6 PM

RIPTA and RIDOT will host public meetings virtually instead of in-person in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. RIPTA will post bilingual notices onboard all fixed-route and paratransit vehicles and at transit hubs regarding the upcoming meetings.