Residents express concerns about RIPTA proposals
Rhode Island legislators are in the process of reviewing proposed changes to bus routes by RIPTA, and East Greenwich residents are concerned about what the transportation authority wants to do.
Residents are so concerned that town manager Andy Nota has reached out to legislators, make them aware of the concerns and ask if they can help mollify them.
According to Nota, in a letter sent to legislators, he says, “members of my professional staff and I recently had a call with RIPTA officials in troubleshooting this matter for local residents and further discussing RIPTA’S most immediate challenges. Since that discussion I have received a correspondence from RIPTA’S CEO, Scott Avedisian regarding an option that may be available that could remedy at least some of the more critical issues impacting EastGreenwich residents. These issues emanate around Route 16, that runs North/south along Route 2 and previously ran East along Division St. and then to Quonset. Apparent ly due to low ridership and a lack of available drivers, Route 16 is being discussed to terminate at NEIT (at least temporarily) leaving out many in the downtown center of East Greenwich and the surrounding area, where our greatest need for public transportation lies.”
“In our discussion with RIPTA officials, we did ask for consideration to the idea of terminating Route 16 at
First Ave./main St. allowing for residents to gain access to this bus for work and student commuting, as well as access to necessities in retail, groceries and medical services along many of the businesses along the Route 2 commercial corridor.” Nota wrote.
As a result, East
Greenwich officials are attempting to rally legislators’ support to consider the town and its residents’ concerns and make the necessary changes to the state’s proposal.
Explaining the town’s suggestion, Nota said, “an alternative plan discussed using Route 14, which traverses Route 1 North/south, would not provide for practical access to Route 2 establishments as one would have to travel to CCRI in Warwick, then switch to the Route 16 bus to move South on Route 2, then once completed, take 16 North to CCRI and then back South on Route 14, to again access the center of East Greenwich. Although, one could technically get here from there, it is not something that would be practical for anyone based on the time required, difficult in transition and coordination of the 14/16 bus routes, that doesn’t exist today.”
Keeping his fingers crossed, Nota added, “In spite of whatever interim changes may be contemplated, we remain hopeful that there will be long-term planning to maintain some functional network of routes for the Kent and Washington/ South County towns, as with the commitment being made by cities/towns to support the development of housing stock that is under construction and far more that is planned in the coming years, a functional public transportation network will be needed to support this housing in providing residents with the services that they and their families will need to be successful. In that all Rhode Islanders support this service, it is important to maintain at least some viable minimal level of service during such times, supporting options for all residents in dispersing this service around the state, in avoiding an isolation of core services to specific geographic areas.”
While most East Greenwich residents own cars, there are still a number who either do not own a vehicle or are no longer able to drive.