Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

This State Management Plan outlines the policies and procedures for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) in administering federal transit funding programs. The plan details the management of the Section 5310 (Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities), Section 5311 (Formula Grants for Rural Areas), Section 5317 (New Freedom Program, in closeout), and Section 5339(a) (Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities) programs. It emphasizes RIPTA's role as the direct recipient, its coordination efforts, subrecipient oversight, and compliance with federal requirements, aiming to enhance mobility and public transportation services across Rhode Island.

This Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan for Rhode Island aims to improve coordination, service delivery, and cost-effectiveness for transportation-disadvantaged individuals, particularly seniors and persons with disabilities. The plan details an assessment of existing transportation services and identified needs, proposing strategies such as the development of statewide and local coordinating councils and the establishment of a statewide one-call center. Additional recommendations include mobility management, travel training, joint planning and procurement, shared resources, and the integration of non-emergency medical transportation services to achieve higher levels of coordination and address service gaps.

The agenda for the Board of Directors meeting included consideration for approval of the Draft Meeting Minutes and Draft Executive Session Meeting Minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting. Key discussion items included the CEO Report covering agency updates, key initiatives, employee spotlight recognizing drivers and supervisors for service during the Brown University incident, ridership data, on-time performance, and lost service reports. The Board also discussed and potentially voted on the potential approval of several RIPTA Policies pursuant to RIGL 42-155, et seq, including the Policy Governing All RIPTA Policies, Code of Ethics Policy, Indemnification Policy, Grants, Charitable and Civic Donations and/or Contribution Policy, Lobbyist Policy, Credit Card Policy, Employee Recruitment & Hiring Policy, and Employee Retirement, Resignation & Termination Policy. Further discussion involved approval for a Line of Credit and a Board Resolution regarding support for "Millionaire's Tax" legislation. The Board later approved the Budget Submission, a request for structural analysis and design work for the Transit Center, the 2026 Meeting Schedule, an extension for the GIRO Three Year Maintenance Contract, and a one-year extension for the Reveal Paratransit Software. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session.

This document details the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's (RIPTA) Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan, designed to ensure meaningful access to its programs and services for LEP individuals in compliance with federal regulations. Key components include a four-factor needs analysis, provision of comprehensive language assistance services such as interpreting and translated materials, and robust public participation methods, with a commitment to continuous monitoring and evaluation of effectiveness.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) outlines a strategic plan to transition its fleet to zero or near-zero emission vehicles. The plan evaluates battery-electric, fuel cell, and natural gas buses over a 30-year timeframe (2018-2050), considering operational, infrastructure, cost, and emissions factors. It identifies higher capital costs but potential operational savings for alternative fuels, with 100% electric offering the greatest long-term emissions reductions and R/CNG being the most cost-competitive. The recommended approach is a graduated program of pilot demonstrations towards a fully zero-emission fleet, addressing infrastructure upgrades and financing needs.