RIPTA announces additional public engagement opportunities for new transit hub

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — As the first phase of planning comes to a close, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and Next Wave Rhode Island Partners continue to encourage riders to voice their opinions on the Providence Transit Center.

According to a release, the new transit center will serve as RIPTA’s central bus hub, supporting millions of trips each year, and will include a state-of-the-art temperature-controlled arrival and passenger seating area, staff break and equipment including several modal facilities for cyclists.

Rhode Islanders still have several opportunities to provide a public input process related to the Providence Transit Center. Opportunities include:

• Virtual event: Scheduled for Thursday, June 13 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to join RIPTA and Next Wave Partners leadership via Zoom to share their comments and opinions. Participants can register for Thursday’s virtual event by clicking here. Thursday’s meeting will also be streamed live on RIPTA’s Facebook page.
• Online survey: Rhode Islanders are also encouraged to share their opinions via an online survey, available in English and Spanish at www.TransitCenterSurvey.com. This survey will remain open until the end of June and participants who complete it will have the chance to win a $20 gift card and a RIPTA prize pack.
• Pop-up events: For Rhode Islanders who are unable to attend public engagement sessions in person or virtually, RIPTA leaders will also be available at a series of upcoming community events to hear your feedback and answer your questions . Scheduled pop-up events include:

RIPTA and Next Wave Partners will work together in two phases to complete the new transit center.

According to the release, the project will move into the next planning phase, which will focus on gathering feedback on further site exploration and preferred amenities for the transit center on July 1.

Additional in-person and virtual opportunities for public participation in this second phase will be announced in the coming weeks.