PROVIDENCE – Gov. Donald L. Carcieri today called for a review of finances at the ailing R.I. Public Transportation Authority, and named a panel of state officials to help agency Chairman John Rupp to “navigate RIPTA through its financial crisis.”
“RIPTA is an important component in the overall transportation system of our state, especially in our urban communities,” Carcieri said. “With the support of this administration and the various agencies, it is our goal to improve RIPTA’s financial situation, ensure a reliable long-term revenue base and make it a viable mode of transportation for today and tomorrow.”
A panel comprising the leaders of several key departments – Gary S. Sasse, R.I. Department of Revenue; Michael P. Lewis, director of the R.I. Department of Transportation; and Jerome F. Williams, director of the R.I. Department of Administration – will review the transit agency’s budget to identify potential cost savings and operating efficiencies, the governor’s office said in a statement.
The state officials also will review RIPTA’s proposed service cuts, as well as public comments offered at a series of public hearings and forums on that plan. (READ MORE) As of today, 15 such sessions are planned at sites across the state (see the document attached below).
The panel then will “develop a strategic plan to address RIPTA’s short-term budget deficit and provide recommendations to ensure a sustainable RIPTA that will provide the transportation services required now and in the future by the citizens of Rhode Island,” the governor’s office said.
RIPTA’s Rupp and the DOT’s Lewis “will coordinate the development of the strategic plan,” and seek to find further possible operational efficiencies, the office said. Meanwhile, Williams will join with the RIPTA Board Finance Committee in scouring the transit authority’s books for “potential cost savings which can be achieved quickly,” while Sasse and his Department of Revenue will look for “potential revenue enhancements and new revenue streams.”
Carcieri’s office said the governor has asked RIPTA to refrain from implementing any of its planned service cuts until the panel’s review is complete and the results have been considered by the governor, the General Assembly and RIPTA itself.
“RIPTA is an important component in the delivery of transportation services to our state, and through this effort, will emerge stronger and better able to accommodate the public,” Carcieri said.
R.I. Public Transportation Authority information, including RIPTA bus schedules, is available by calling 728-9400 or visiting ripta.com. News and information from the R.I. Governor’s Office are available at www.governor.ri.gov.
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