Jack’s Angle: Pawtucket Central Falls Transit Center opening – Jack Partridge

by John J. “Jack” Partridge, contributing writer, commentary

I know some of you were underwhelmed by the opening of the Transit Center, as was I, but have heart. Better days are  coming.

It was great to see a train from Providence glide into the station. Too bad it didn’t carry some long term riders along with its complement of deserving dignitaries, like senator Jack Reed. The weather did not cooperate but the general mood of the hundreds present was upbeat and celebratory. 

For the disabled, however they learned there is no ground level elevator to get to the enclosed walkway over the tracks, to trains and buses, and the ramp to the second floor requires as many steps as a traverse of a football field. And parking remains at a premium until all lots are open. 

Happily, there is the promise of a passenger-friendly building in the near future so that in the future, porta johns will not be needed.

Until then, enjoy what we have. Trains and buses arrive and depart frequently to satisfy most commuters. Eventually the new facility will not replicate the barebones South Attleboro stop which everyone hated (and which no one in the ridership anticipated, given the $70M Center’s cost would be replicated). A planned building will house restrooms and seating, ticketing, message boards, coffee availability, and other amenities for bus and train riders.  

We will continue to follow progress on the building with updates you may not find elsewhere. Until then, stock up at Dunkin Donuts and take care to prepare for the train or bus ride or both before you leave your home or business. Tell all you can that the Center is providing scheduled train and bus service in a functional facility.

And “Hurrah!” to all who planned and implemented a long-held dream of the two cities as well as RIPTA and RIDOT, and the Pawtucket Foundation, representing the private sector. It never would have happened without vigorous leadership by Senator Reed, Mayors Doyle and Grebien and the Pawtucket Foundation, who spearheaded the effort for the private sector for more than a decade.

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To read more columns by Jack go to: https://rinewstoday.com/our-team/john-j-jack-partridge/

John J. ‘Jack’ Partridge, is a retired lawyer and Senior Counsel to the firm of Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP, with four offices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

A Pawtucket native, Jack graduates from St. Raphael Academy and summa cum laude of Providence College, where he majored in history. After Harvard Law School, he served in the United States Army in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. In 1967, he joined the firm of Tillinghast Collins & Tanner. In 1988, he became a founding partner of Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP.

Jack has been engaged in many civic, political, governmental, and business organizations, serving as legal counsel to the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce for 27 years and was chairman of the Old Slater Mill Association, Common Cause Rhode Island, and Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island.

He is the co-founder of The Pawtucket Foundation and an officer and director of innumerable not-for-profit entities. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club and was Treasurer of the Ocean State Charities Trust.

Jack has a long history of leadership involvement with Providence College, which recognized him in 1999 with the Providence College Alumni Association Recognition Award for Public and Community Service, and in 2011, with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

He is married to the former Regina McDonald and has three children: Sarah, Gregory and David.

He is the author of four books – Scratched, Straight Pool, Carom Shot – and his new book, Under Blood Moons.

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