Free minibus plan in Nantucket could be a model for RIPTA in Providence

An aerial view of a RIPTA bus flying over an island.

Reprinted with permissions from The Nantucket Current. Photo: Cary Hazlegrove Editor’s Note: With ridership in Rhode Island the heaviest in Providence, yet most buses riding around considerably empty, a move to smaller transit, or mini-buses, may prove to be a more successful model for the state’s capital city, as well as other routes while ridership…

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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus back in Newport – starts TODAY

A green bus driving down the street.

With summer just around the corner, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority announced the return of the popular free “Hop-On Hop-Off” bus service promotion in Newport beginning TODAY – Friday, May 26, 2023.  The free service, funded by Discover Newport and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, offers transportation around Newport to tourist destinations and…

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Jack’s Angle: “Putting politics into RIPTA is a bad idea…” – Jack Partridge

An image of a bus with a man in front of it.

by John J. “Jack” Partridge, contributing writer, commentary What is the motivation behind Senate President Dominic Ruggeiro calling for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to take over the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA)? It can’t be because RIPTA is not doing its job, despite being under stress related to the Covid epidemic, and while…

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UPDATED: Call for RIPTA – RIDOT merger, leadership change

An image of a bus with a red, white and blue background.

Late on Friday, RI Senate President Dominick Ruggerio called for the immediate resignation of former Warwick mayor and RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Scott Avedisian – and the placement of the bus transportation company to now fall under the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, headed by Peter Alviti. Within a short time, a statement from RIPTA…

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