The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) welcomes Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, members of the state’s Congressional delegation and municipal leaders to mark the start of construction on Rhode Island’s first electric bus in-line charging station.
The station, which can charge up to three electric buses simultaneously, will also feature driver restrooms and various site improvements including an on-site snow-melt system.
“The new electric charging station furthers our administration’s commitment to cleaner air quality and zero-emission, sustainable energy. Projects like this also build on our momentum in ensuring Rhode Island is at the forefront of the green economy,” said Gov. McKee. “It is also critical that we ensure easier access to public transportation for riders, who rely on RIPTA’s services to get to school, work or the doctor’s office. I thank all of our partners who made this day possible and look forward to seeing the permanent fleet of electric buses on roads across our state.”
The electric bus in-line charging station will be located along the R-Line, RIPTA’s most frequently used and highest-ridership route, connecting Providence and Pawtucket. RIPTA’s first fully electric bus fleet will operate on this key corridor, lowering emissions in an area where many low-income and BIPOC communities have been affected by air pollution.
“This new electric charging station is not only a key component in our battle against climate change, but an environmental justice tool as well,” said Scott Avedisian, CEO, RIPTA. “Constructing this station at Broad City Line cements our commitment to reducing global carbon emissions, while improving air quality for transit-dependent communities burdened by the adverse health effects of pollution.”
FTA Region I Administrator Peter Butler added, “FTA is proud to support RIPTA’s transition to a cleaner and greener bus fleet. The Electric Bus In-Line Charging Station will help RIPTA advance its goals to improve air quality and address our global climate crisis. FTA is committed to supporting zero-emission bus projects through the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program and the additional resources available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to advance sustainable transit initiatives.”
The roughly $6.7 million project, which BOND Civil & Utility Construction, Inc. is expected to complete by fall 2022, is funded largely by a Volkswagen settlement fund. The remaining funds are coming from federal transit funding.
“It’s great to see RIPTA surging ahead with plans to electrify its bus fleet and leveraging federal investments to make needed infrastructure improvements. The new generation of cleaner, greener buses will reduce pollution and won’t be impacted by foreign oil price shocks. I will continue working to deliver federal funding to help RIPTA make a smooth transition to electric buses, install chargers, and upgrade related infrastructure,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee who helped deliver $1.1 billion in federal funding this year to expand the Low- and No-Emission Transit Vehicle Program, which will help accelerate the transition to clean public transit nationwide.
BOND Civil & Utility Construction, Inc. of Medford, Massachusetts is experienced in delivering critical infrastructure, including electric bus charging stations, for institutions, major utilities and power and energy companies. The company is working closely with National Grid to ensure that electrical power and a high-pressure gas line is available for this project.
