Christopher Durand

Government 07/17/2026

PBN 40 UNDER FORTY 2026 AWARDS CHRISTOPHER DURAND | 36 CEO, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority What is the biggest challenge facing your industry? Transit ridership is...

RIPTA seeks public input for Metro Connector Study

Economic Activity 07/10/2026

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has scheduled opportunities for the public to weigh in on its Metro Connector Study, the agency...

STANDING IN front of a Flex van from left are Erin Donovan-Boyle, CEO and president of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce; Christopher Durand, R.I. Public Transit Authority CEO; Sen. Louis P. DiPalma, D-Middletown; Sen. Dawn Euer, D-Newport; Rep. Terri Cortvriend, D-Middletown; and Mary A. McDowell, Portsmouth Town Council member. RIPTA on Wednesday extended its Flex On Demand service in the north part of Aquidneck Island through Dec. 31. / COURTESY R.I. PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY

RIPTA expands Aquidneck Island Flex On Demand service through end of year

Economic Activity 07/01/2026

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority has extended its Flex On Demand service on Aquidneck Island through Dec. 31, the state agency announced...

Proposed FY 2027 state budget closes RIPTA funding gap after months...

Economic Activity 06/02/2026

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority will see its projected funding gap addressed under the proposed fiscal year 2027 state budget, resolving a...

PBN announces 2026 40 Under Forty honorees

Financial Services 06/02/2026

PROVIDENCE – Forty young professionals were selected as the winners of Providence Business News’ 22nd annual 40 Under Forty Awards program. The honorees were chosen...

RIPTA expands Flex On Demand pilot to northern Aquidneck Island

Economic Activity 04/29/2026

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority has expanded its Flex On Demand pilot service to include northern Aquidneck Island, the state agency announced...

TWO CRUISE SHIPS docked in Newport during a previous summer season. City and tourism officials are concerned about a proposal to increase the fees that large ships are charged during visits to the City of the Sea. COURTESY DISCOVER NEWPORT

McKee’s cruise ship fee proposal creating a storm in Newport

Editor's Choice 04/03/2026

A proposal by Gov. Daniel J. McKee to increase cruise ship passenger fees in Newport has ignited a firestorm among elected officials and business...

Newport City Council sends stern message to McKee: No cruise ship...

Economic Activity 03/10/2026

Newport city officials say Gov. Daniel J. McKee never consulted them in crafting his plan to raise fees on visiting cruise ships, a move...

RIPTA expands Flex on Demand ride service

Economic Activity 03/09/2026

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority has expanded its Flex on Demand pilot service to include Coventry, Newport, Middletown, West Warwick and Westerly,...