Improvements will get people where they need to go more quickly, comfortably and reliably and with greater predictability

Despite all the doom and gloom about RIPTA's chronic funding challenges (because of its heavy reliance on a declining source of gas tax revenue), there is good news for passengers and businesses served along its two busiest routes (11/99).

As part of its 5-Year Strategic Plan, RIPTA is now implementing Rapid Bus Service, a mix of design, operations and traffic improvements that will vastly improve the transit experience for passengers, beginning on Routes 11 and 99. These two routes serve over 10,000 riders daily and connect Pawtucket, Providence and Cranston along an eight-mile corridor. Technology will enable RIPTA buses to keep a green light green so they can move more quickly through traffic, while passengers can expect added amenities such as expanded and improved bus shelters with digital signs indicating when the next bus is due to arrive.

Elements of Rapid Bus with estimated completion times:

Branding / Marketing

• Route & Bus Stop branding to distinguish and differentiate this route as a higher level of service
• Estimate Completion: Late Spring 2012

Traffic Signal Prioritization

• Traffic signal improvements, including transit signal priority, for improved travel times and schedule reliability
• Phase I (planning) - complete
• Phases II and III (design and construction) bids go out in December
• Estimated Completion: Late Summer 2012

Corridor Service Planning

• Additional new "limited stop" service to reduce travel times by only serving high priority stops during peak travel hours (in addition to regular fixed route service)
• Improved passenger amenities and schedule information
• Roadway improvements where appropriate, including clearly designated bus stop lanes and Intersection improvements
• Estimated Completion: Winter 2012

The estimated infrastructure cost of the Rapid Bus route is approximately $2 million, including traffic signal and roadway improvements, branding, passenger infrastructure and other amenities. These funds have already been secured by RIPTA from federal sources.

In addition, RIPTA - in partnership with the City of Providence - has secured another grant of $1 million to expand these types of transit enhancements along the next three highest volume transit corridors in Providence.