Assembly approves RIPTA reorganization legislation

            STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and Rep. Anthony J. DeSimone that would help align the state’s transit goals for the future.

            The legislation (2023-S 0991Aaa, 2023-H 6495) provides that the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation shall serve as the Chairperson of the Board of RIPTA. This is an amended version of an earlier proposal, which would have placed much of RIPTA’s operations under the auspices of RIDOT.

            “While I believe that RIDOT should oversee all transportation matters in our state, including public transit, this is an important step toward alignment of all our transportation goals, effective procurement and efficient use of federal funds, and moving our public transportation agency forward,” said President Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence).

            “As we continue to examine the future of transportation in the state, it is important that all of our state departments have clear lines of communication and collaboration.  This bill will provide that clarity within RIPTA and will serve the customers of RIPTA and the residents of the state well into the future,” said Representative DeSimone (D-Dist. 5, Providence).

            The legislation now heads to the governor for consideration.