Ripta - Providence Business News

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...

TIME CONSCIOUS: Barry Dejasu of East Providence waits at Kennedy Plaza to make his R.I. Public Transit Authority bus home after arriving on a bus from Warwick, where he works. RIPTA service changes have made his commute longer and more complex. PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

WEAKENED CONNECTIONS: RIPTA’s service cuts disrupting sectors of R.I. workforce

Cover Story 02/27/2026

For years, East Providence resident Barry Dejasu’s commute to Warwick followed the same routine: Leave the house at around 7:30 a.m., walk to the...

RIPTA lands $25M federal grant to purchase new hybrid buses

Government 11/19/2025

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority has received a $25 million federal grant through the Low or No Emission Grant Program to acquire...

THE R.I. PUBLIC Transit Authority launched a new multifamily residential pilot program where property owners and managers of properties with 10 or more units can order free monthly transit passes from the agency and give to tenants for transportation in December and January. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

RIPTA launches multifamily residential pilot program offering free passes

Economy 11/10/2025

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority launched a pilot program on Monday that will allow multifamily property owners and managers to order free...

Travel green and get rewards – RIPTA launches yearlong Drive Less...

Government 10/07/2025

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority on Tuesday announced the start of its yearlong Drive Less RI Challenge, meant to encourage both bus...

The Providence Foundation to present past accomplishments, future priorities at 50th...

Leadership 10/02/2025

PROVIDENCE – When David Salvatore recalls the downtown of his childhood, he sees a drab picture: Swaths of concrete, a federal highway traveling through...

RIPTA gets $500K to boost ridership, support climate goals

Government 09/15/2025

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Public Transit Authority has received more than $500,000 in new state funding as part of a broader push to improve...

RIPTA board approves revised service cuts

Government 08/28/2025

PROVIDENCE – After months of public outcry against service cuts, the R.I Public Transit Authority board on Thursday voted nearly unanimously to approve a...