The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has officially moved the Providence Transit Center project into its next phase, authorizing design, engineering and pricing efforts. While RIPTA plans to cement the project’s construction cost during the upcoming phase, $77 million has already been committed to development.
RIPTA plans to establish the Providence Transit Center as its new central bus depot, creating a hub for transit and travel purposes. Currently, the project will include a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled passenger arrival and seating area. Other features include staff break areas and amenities, including accommodations for bicyclists.
Once developed, the center will serve as a direct connection between bus and passenger rail services. Multimodal connections alongside safe, high-quality indoor facilities reign as the leading reasons for development, ensuring that residents have access to reliable transit services at the heart of downtown Providence.
The authority has identified an area within Station Park as the preferred site for the project. Located above Amtrak’s rail tunnel, the location will strengthen bus and rail services for more than 42,000 daily riders.
Phase 2 of the project will consist of the following steps:
- Architectural and engineering design.
- Federal environmental review.
- Coordination with Amtrak on design and construction approvals.
- Development of a final project proposal and firm, fixed construction price.
“This is an important step toward delivering a world-class transit system that attracts new riders and employer partnerships,” said RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand. “The public has consistently told us that they want a clean, safe and welcoming indoor facility with convenient connections to multiple modes of transportation. With the site investigation now complete, we can begin the detailed work needed to turn that vision into an achievable project.”
RIPTA is collaborating with a consortium as part of a public-private partnership (P3) to plan and develop project components. The authority will continue to engage with the public for transparency and feedback throughout the next phase.
