CTC issues its own statement on the streetcar proposal 

In September, RIPTA and the City of Providence announced their recommendation for a new streetcar route connecting Upper South Providence with College Hill. This 2.5 mile route would connect over 6,700 households, 50,000 people working along the route, and about 25,000 students enrolled at five college campuses.

The route is intended to reinforce RIPTA's existing bus system by passing through Kennedy Plaza, allowing for connections to Rhode Island's regional rail system, and would pass within walking distance of the Convention Center, the Dunkin' Donuts Center, three major theaters, and more than 2,100 hotel rooms.

Share YOUR thoughts at any one of three Open Houses that RIPTA and the City of Providence are hosting in November to better acquaint residents and businesses with the proposal.  See schedule below.  

Over the past year, CTC has participated in a number of study workshops and public meetings regarding the development of a Providence downtown circulator or "core connector."  In addition, CTC has engaged in a thorough process of vetting this particular proposal among its membership during an intensive set of meetings over a three week period.  The following statement reflects the opinion of CTC's membership at this time.   

CTC Statement:

The Coalition for Transportation Choices (CTC) advocates for increased and sustainable funding for a 21st century transportation system that enhances our economy, safeguards the environment and provides Rhode Islanders with healthy and affordable transportation choices.  We believe that the introduction of a modern streetcar in downtown Providence has the potential to advance each of these objectives, while also attracting a new customer base to strengthen mass transit use throughout Rhode Island.  To be a successful, the streetcar will require equitable investment from the major institutions served, and should only be advanced as part of a larger vision for the future of transit in Rhode Island, as outlined in RIPTA's 5-Year Strategic Plan.  It is important that development of a streetcar not come at the expense of RIPTA's existing bus service or implementation of the service enhancements outlined in RIPTA's Strategic Plan.

You're invited to come, learn and make your own feelings known at the following Open Houses: 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011, 5 to 7 PM                           

CCRI Liston Campus Auditorium

1 Hilton Place, Upper South Providence