The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced drivers are stepping in to fill gaps on delivery routes for Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo thanked RIPTA and its drivers during her daily press briefing for stepping up to help the organization.
Scott Avedisian, RIPTA’s CEO, said he appreciated the fact that Meghan Grady, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, let him know that they are experiencing increased demand on some of their scheduled delivery routes. April 13 was RIPTA’s first day lending a hand to Meals on Wheels, with its vehicles and drivers from RIPTA’s paratransit division deployed to fill gaps in routes in the Pawtucket area. Drivers are following the safety protocols that Meals on Wheels has already put in place.
"Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island is thrilled RIPTA is helping us meet an increased need for volunteers," Grady said. "We are extremely grateful for and humbled by the generosity of these RIPTA drivers who are joining us to enact our mission everyday by providing our clients a nutritious meal, safety check and opportunity for brief socialization.”
The drivers are using smaller paratransit vehicles from RIPTA’s paratransit division (RIde Program), which normally provides transportation for persons with disabilities. RIPTA has vehicles and drivers available due to sharply declining ridership in both its fixed-route and paratransit divisions.
“We take the responsibility of providing essential service very seriously,” Avedisian said. “We are also aware of the need to be very flexible right now and to find opportunities to help people whenever we can. We are happy to be able to help Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island fulfill their vital role in our state.”
