The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) voted to raise the starting wage for bus drivers from $21.71 to $25.33 per hour, effective immediately. The change also includes a $1.00 increase for top-paid drivers, other than van operators.
The new wages take effect this week. The union representing 488 drivers also includes paratransit drivers.
“This crucial wage increase benefits not only our drivers, but our passengers as well,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA’s Chief Executive Officer. “This will enable us to attract and retain drivers, ensuring that the public can rely on RIPTA to be there when the bus schedule says we are going to be there.”
The decision to raise wages is part of a broader plan to address the ongoing driver shortage at RIPTA.
“We cannot continue to expand service if we do not have the necessary workforce,” Avedisian added.
RIPTA is also launching a job fair on March 15 to apply for bus driver positions. The application process is available online.
All new bus operators will receive eight weeks of paid training, including commercial driver’s license education and certification. Training and support services are also available during their first two years of employment.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
