NEW: Block Calls Reducing RI DMV Wait Times Top Priority

NEW: Block Calls Reducing RI DMV Wait Times Top Priority

Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Block pledged to cut wait times and eliminate wasteful spending at the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, announcing a 6-month plan that he calls his his highest priority as Governor.

“The chronic problem of our underperforming DMV is completely unacceptable,” said Block.  “As Governor, my highest priority will be actually fixing the DMV and reducing wait times in total to under 30 minutes- an honest 30 minutes.  From the minute someone walks through the door of this building, they should be able to leave with their business accomplished in under 30 minutes.”

Block added, “If we cannot accomplish this goal in six months, we will need to look at different ways to provide DMV services to Rhode Island residents.”

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In criticizing the Chafee administration, Block said wait times at the DMV are at a three-year high, with the average wait time tripling in the last ten months. Block said Rhode Islanders are now spending over an hour and a half for the average license or registration transaction.

Block suggested that if the wait times cannot be fixed, his administration will look to outsource additional transactions to AAA and explore the possibility of adding capacity by working with other organizations. 

Money Being Wasted

Block said the $15 million computer upgrade has yielded negligible results and the money spent on the project "defies all common sense."

“How many other vendors are taking advantage of Rhode Island taxpayers?” asked Block.  “As Governor, I will look at how our vendors are being assessed and how well contracts are being monitored so that problems can be addressed immediately, not years after the fact.”

Block concluded, “As your Governor, I will be the watchdog on this waste.  It is what I do for a living and we need to put that focus to work and use those skills to make the changes necessary to turn this state around.”