The RIPTA Board of Directors voted Thursday to advance a proposed Providence Transit Center into design, engineering and pricing, moving the state’s bus hub out of Kennedy Plaza toward a site beside the Providence train station.
RIPTA identified space within Station Park, west of the station, as the preferred location after evaluating sites and running a public engagement process. The agency says the location would create a direct connection between bus and rail while keeping the hub downtown.
Because the site sits above Amtrak’s rail tunnel, RIPTA and Jacobs Engineering conducted structural inspections in coordination with Amtrak. That analysis confirmed building over the tunnel is feasible.
“The public has consistently told us that they want a clean, safe and welcoming indoor facility with convenient connections to multiple modes of transportation,” said RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand. “With the site investigation now complete, we can begin the detailed work needed to turn that vision into an achievable project.”
Roughly $77 million has been committed to date: $46 million identified in the State Transportation Improvement Program, a $25 million federal BUILD grant and $6 million in state matching funds. A full cost estimate will be developed during design, and the project will undergo an affordability review.
RIPTA will reengage Next Wave Partners for architectural and engineering design, federal environmental review, coordination with Amtrak, and development of a final proposal with a fixed construction price. The completed design returns to the board for approval before construction.
Board Chairman Patrick Crowley said state and local leaders, riders and downtown businesses have been awaiting a new transit center.
Gov. Dan McKee, who issued a separate statement, said the project will be one of the state’s largest public transportation investments in recent history. “Voters approved the transit bond in 2014, but for years the funding sat dormant,” he said. “My administration partnered with RIPTA to finally put it to work.”
The facility would also provide RIPTA drivers with accessible break areas and restrooms. RIPTA moves more than 42,000 people daily.
