Bus Hub
12/14/2022 Update:
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Dorrance Street Bus Hub. The RFP will be ready in January 2023, with selection announcements in the summer. This partnership will work alongside the community in an iterative design and feedback process throughout 2024 and 2025 for expected service in 2026. Learn more about this ongoing project here. (Image courtesy of RIPTA and Union Studio).
3/23/2022 Update:
The public can view a recording of the public meeting, as well as read the most recent news on the proposed Dorrance Street Transit Center on RIPTA’s website here.
2/23/2022 Update:
PPS joined advocates for transit riders and other like-minded organizations to press the governor and mayor for transparency and sincere community outreach when it comes to this important issue affecting riders, residents, and the future of Kennedy Plaza. The latest announcement from RIDOT and RIPTA indicates that a multi-hub plan is dead and that they are pursuing a new bus hub at Dorrance Street.
RIPTA and RIDOT are holding three virtual public meetings to be held on February 24 and March 8. We strongly encourage public participation to shape the best outcome. Register here.
11/13/2020 Update:
Despite widespread community and City Council opposition, last week Governor Raimondo and Mayor Elorza announced their intention to move forward with the Multi-Hub Bus System that would lengthen bus commutes and create a more difficult and confusing public transportation system in Providence.
Because RIDOT has not held public stakeholder meetings about this plan, Providence Streets Coalition, the Rhode Island Transit Riders and South Providence Neighborhood Association will instead host an independent public meeting on Tuesday, November 17 at 6 pm. Join for an open and honest discussion about life in Kennedy Plaza, featuring people who live, work, and travel in the space every day. Please reach out to Liza Burkin or PPS Trustee Patricia Raub with your thoughts or ideas about this ongoing advocacy issue.
Check out Bill Bartholomew’s recent discussion on this proposal with John Flaherty of Grow Smart RI.
11/04/2020 Update:
On Thursday, November 5 at 2:30 PM, all concerned citizens are encouraged by PPS, RI Transit Riders, and allies to attend and make comment at the Governor’s virtual press conference to discuss RIDOT’s new bus hub proposal. We have expressed opposition to the current proposal and are advocating for a solution that benefits riders and the city as a whole. You can read our full statement to RIDOT here.
9/28/2020 Update:
Providence City Council’s Urban Redevelopment, Renewal & Planning Committee chaired by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris will vote on a resolution to oppose RIDOT’s multi-hub bus system on Wednesday, September 30 at 5 pm.
Action Item: To attend this virtual meeting, see log-on information on the agenda. In order to make public comment, you MUST sign-up ahead of time through the City Clerk.
9/15/2020 Update:
Despite the unanimous opposition to RIDOT’s proposal for a bus hub in the so-called Innovation District, RIDOT still plans to issue an RFP by the end of September. PPS opposes their current plan for its lack of community engagement, lack of consideration for riders, and its potential to intrude into the riverside park. Concerned citizens and community groups held a rally on August 29 to voice their opposition to RIDOT’s plans.
Action Items:
- Write to the Director of RIDOT, Peter Alviti, to urge him to take a pause and listen to the community.
- Join RI Transit Riders at Kennedy Plaza this Saturday, September 19 at 2:30 pm to march in opposition of RIDOT’s flawed plan. They invite you to bring signs and WEAR MASKS.
- Sign the petition from RI Transit Riders Alliance opposing this plan.
Read on below for our letter to RIDOT, as well as various media coverage of this issue.
In July, PPS learned of RIDOT’s plan to relocate the city’s major bus hub from Kennedy Plaza to the Innovation District. In response, a group of civic leaders have presented an alternative plan. PPS’ Planning and Architectural Review Committee (PAR) had the opportunity to review both plans. Read PPS’ letter to RIDOT Director Alviti here. The RIPTA Board of Directors considered the state’s proposal at their meeting on Wednesday, August 19; see this ProJo article for more.
On Tuesday, August 25, PPS joined with the RI Transit Riders Alliance, Grow Smart, and the Jewelry District Association at a press conference to oppose the RI Department of Transportation’s (RIDOT) proposed bus hub plan. Read the full press release here. You can also watch Grow Smart RI’s John Flaherty discuss the issue with GoLocalProv here, and read the Boston Globe’s article here.