The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority appears poised to receive a $4 million boost from the federal government – one that should allow the agency to introduce new transportation technologies, utilize alternative fuel vehicles and address the needs of seniors and disabled residents. The money is expected to come via the House Transportation Appropriations Act. The Appropriations Committee has approved its fiscal year 2001 transportation budget, which includes $4 million for the RIPTA programs. While the proposal was awaiting full House approval last week, it was not expected to be modified.
U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, D-Rhode Island, in a prepared statement, called public transit a “central component and basic way of life for so many Rhode Islanders.”
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RIPTA General Manager Beverly Scott said the state is fortunate to have a Congressional delegation that “understands the vital importance of mobility issues.”
In recent months, Kennedy had written letters to Congressmen Frank Wolf, a Virginia Republican and chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Committee, and Martin Sabo, a Minnesota Democrat and ranking member of the committee, to advocate for the additional funding for RIPTA. Scott was effusive in her praise of Kennedy.
”His work will help make it possible for us to rebuild our statewide transportation infrastructureand address areas of unmet need across our state,” she said.
RIPTA can use the money.
According to an October 1999 Performance Audit by the state’s Auditor General, the quasi-state agency has room for improvement both – and off – the road. The audit points out, for example, that RIPTA can improve on key support functions such as management information systems, finance and purchasing.
In part, it read; “Improvements in these areas will contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of RIPTA, ensuring that the cost of services is affordable both to users of the system and those who subsidize its operations. Because of the increased level of state financial support, the state has an even greater interest in ensuring RIPTA is operating effectively and efficiently.”
The audit also found room for improvement on the road. In part, it reads: “RIPTA’s bus radio system is obsolete and hard to repair since replacement parts are no longer manufactured. RIPTA provides drivers with cell phones if their buses do not have working radios; however, RIPTA needs to ensure that all buses have reliable radios, particularly in the event of accidents, breakdowns, and other emergency situations.”
The agency is also burdened with many broken-down buses. For example, scores of 1990 buses that should still be on the road by industry standards have been towed from the agency’s headquarters on Melrose Street in Providence a couple of blocks to a fenced lot on Niagara Street. RIPTA has also been forced in recent months to cannibalize its 1985 Volvo models for spare parts.
Scott is more than three years into a five-year contract to lead RIPTA. Scott has been credited with vastly improving the agency she inherited. But its operating expenses have increased by more than 25 percent in those three years and Scott has made it clear that fixing RIPTA’s ills will continue to cost money.
That fiscal condition – the fact that RIPTA is so dependent on federal and state subsidies – makes this appropriation so critical.
According to Scott, the inclusion of the $4 million will fund the following three initiatives:
The introduction of flexible transit services – new and alternative transportation services that use smaller vehicles to more appropriately meet individual community mobility needs. A special emphasis will be on meeting the needs of senior citizens and disabled residents.
RIPTA will continue to invest in the infrastructure necessary to support the expanded operation of more environmentally sensitive vehicles.
The introduction and testing of new intelligent transportation systems. These will include “smart” fare collection, real-time automated passenger information, new radio communications equipment and satellite dispatch capabilities.
Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director William D. Ankner said the $4 million is going to make a big difference.
“This is one of the best earmarking of bus discretionary funding for RIPTA in its history,” said Ankner.
The windfall of federal money comes on the heels of more good news for Scott – the resolution of a long running and sometimes contentious contract dispute.
More than 500 employees of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority – represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union – overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract earlier this spring.
The new contract expires on Dec. 31, 2002. Key components of it include the following:
A 3 percent raise each year.
Benefit improvements for RIPTA’s paratransit and part-time employees.
Equalization of pension benefits and employee pension contributions for RIPTA’s operating and management employees.
Creation of a new “Flexible Services Division,” including significantly lower wage rates and more flexible operating provisions – making it possible for RIPTA to introduce new service as funding permits.
First-time ability to hire part-time mechanics and retirees as part-time bus operators.
Consolidation of all paratransit services maintenance work at RIPTA over the next three years – a significant cost savings measure for the state.
Resolution of major transit labor claims regarding operation of the state’s paratransit services.
