Save RIPTA logo with a blue wave on a black background.
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PVDStreets.org/Save-RIPTA
April 7, 2026
House Committee on Corporations
State House, House Lounge
Providence, RI 02903
RE: SUPPORT (H8127) - RIPTA Board Reform
Dear Chair Solomon and Committee members,
For decades, Rhode Island maintained a clear division of responsibility between its transportation and public transit agencies. RIDOT managed highways, bridges, and road infrastructure. RIPTA operated the state's public transit system - primarily fixed-route bus service and door-to-door transportation for riders with disabilities - and played a central role in statewide transit planning and connections to rail and other modes. Coordination between the two agencies was imperfect, but the separation was intentional. Each had a defined mission, distinct leadership, and accountability aligned with its core purpose.
That separation was undone in 2023. This mistake was an action that we objected to at the time, and we are writing today to undo this misguided attempt to provide oversight, which in practice led to devastating consequences for RIPTA.
With RIDOT wielding a powerful leadership role at RIPTA, the agency was effectively subordinated to DOT, whose institutional mission, incentives, and culture are oriented toward roads and drivers, not toward moving people efficiently, equitably, and reliably through Rhode Island's cities and towns. During the navigation of the worst financial crisis RIPTA has faced in decades, at every turn, RIDOT leadership refused to step up and defend RIPTA's current levels of service, not to mention any hope of expanding service. The only public statements from RIDOT leadership throughout this period were those championing reduced service and increased fares. Rather than supporting public transit riders, the Director's sole mission was to defend RIDOT being impacted in any way by an agency with a fraction of the size of its budget.
The result? The most devastating service cuts in RIPT…
Save RIPTA logo with a blue wave on a black background
With H8127, we can rectify this mistake, and ensure RIDOT's participation on the Board of RIPTA without holding a statutory leadership role. We can also strengthen the RIPTA Board by restructuring it to include direct representation from riders, transit operators, and community stakeholders, which this bill would also do.
As a transit rider and supporter, I am relying on you to support this simple solution for RIPTA.
Sincerely,
Dylan Giles
Operations Manager
Providence Streets
Read Save RIPTA’s testimony and the rationale behind why this mistake has already resulted in painful consequences for RIPTA.
www.rilegislature.gov/Special/comd...
