Job development
As our economy begins to slow it is evident that unless we are successful in developing a workforce trained for the jobs of this new economy, then we are likely to find ourselves trailing a national economy that is also beginning to slow. There is universal agreement that education and training – and the ability to retain our college graduates – will determine just how well we can perform in a slowing economy.
Interestingly, while it is projected that our population will increase slightly, that increase, according to projections is not among the prime working group. Gary Sasse, executive director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, said that over the last couple of years we have a seen a consistent decrease in the 25 to 44-year-old age group.
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”It’s a very complex issue to deal with,” Sasse says. Indeed, complex but critical.
A summit a couple of weeks ago, involving a coalition of educators, government and business, outlined a number of steps that they hoped will stimulate increased interest among students in information technology jobs, and improved programs, particularly on a secondary school level.
It will take efforts like the summit – and follow through – and a strong partnership among government, educators, business, and also, teachers’ unions to assure that we can develop a workforce that is up to the challenges of the new economy, and one that will assure that Rhode Island is able to compete, even during a period of slower growth.
A tale of two ferries
While we are disappointed that the Pawtucket-to-Providence commuter ferry service is falling far behind the ridership numbers it needs to stay afloat, we are not surprised.
The ferry service started last July with an $875,000 federal subsidy. The idea was admirable. Get Blackstone Valley residents who work in Providence to leave their cars at home and take the ferry to work.
But the ferry takes about 45 minutes to get to Providence – a trip most motorists make in less than 10 minutes. Further complicating the matter is the fact that Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus service between Pawtucket and the capital city is excellent, with many convenient runs.
In January, the federal money runs out – leaving the future of the Pawtucket-to-Providence ferry very much in question.
We hope what to date has been a disappointing experience with the commuter ferry business does not dampen a much different scenario beginning to play out on the edge of the city’s Jewelry District – where RIPTA has launched commuter ferry service connecting Providence and Newport.
RIPTA secured a $900,000 federal grant for the pilot project and contracted with Boston Harbor Cruises to run the service. The ferry will make several runs daily, with adults paying $4 each way for the 75-minute trip.
The Providence-to-Newport ferry has much going for it.
For example, the 75-minute trip is very close to the time it would take a motorist to drive from Providence to Newport. And $8 round-trip might just beat what it would cost you to get to Newport and back, including a bridge toll.
The biggest draw to the ferry service this summer is likely to be Rhode Islanders anxious for a ride on beautiful Narragansett Bay. RIPTA acknowledges as much, and hopes that the busy summer season will translate into a viable commuter business.
Last Monday morning (June 26) marked the introduction of the boat dubbed Anna, which is 150-feet-long and holds up to 150 passengers.
“This represents what always was Rhode Island,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed. “Narragansett Bay was once our great transportation hub.”
Alison Nolan, of Boston Harbor Cruises said the key to the ferry’s success is to have competitive prices and a consistent, dependable schedule.
Commuter ferry service along Narragansett Bay can work. It is up to state officials to come up with the kind of service that makes sense.
In the case of the Providence-to-Newport ferry, it appears that RIPTA has done just that. We urge you to support it.
