The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly
survey of 70 business leaders, representing large and small businesses in a
variety of industries.
QUESTION: The Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
(RIPTA) is recommending $4 million in service cuts to address a mounting budget
deficit. Should RIPTA give up on the idea of servicing the entire state?
Yes: 71%
No: 29%
QUESTION: It appears that most – if not all – of the trolley runs in downtown
Providence could be eliminated. Should RIPTA eliminate the trolley service if
they fail to generate a significant number of riders?
Yes: 83%
No: 17%
QUESTION: Do any employees at your business or organization use RIPTA service
to get to or home from work?
Yes: 75%
No: 25%
QUESTION: Should RIPTA continue to provide services that may not break
even, so that individuals who cannot afford to drive a car, can get to and from
work?
Yes: 83%
No: 17 %
QUESTION: Should state officials work to find money from existing state
coffers or adopt a special surcharge — or should they proceed with the proposed
cuts to RIPTA services?
Find the money, even if it’s another fee for taxpayers: 50%
Follow the board’s recommendations and reduce RIPTA services: 50%
