The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) Board of Directors has authorized the agency to advance the proposed Providence Transit Center into its next phase, which will include design, engineering and pricing. Once complete, the transit center will improve passenger transfers, strengthen safety and security and provide clean, comfortable indoor amenities for riders. The facility would also provide RIPTA drivers with accessible break areas and restrooms.

“This is an important step toward delivering a world-class transit system that attracts new riders and employer partnerships,” said RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand. “The public has consistently told us that they want a clean, safe and welcoming indoor facility with convenient connections to multiple modes of transportation. With the site investigation now complete, we can begin the detailed work needed to turn that vision into an achievable project."

In January 2024, the board approved a contract with Next Wave Rhode Island Partners for the first phase of the center, which included finding a location. RIPTA says that following an extensive evaluation of potential locations and a public engagement process, RIPTA identified space within Station Park, west of the Providence Train Station, as the preferred site. The location would create a direct connection between bus and passenger rail service while keeping the transit center in the heart of downtown Providence, R.I. Riders previously identified multimodal connections and clean, safe indoor facilities as leading priorities for the project.

With the proposed site located above Amtrak’s rail tunnel, RIPTA and Jacobs Engineering conducted extensive structural inspections and analysis in coordination with Amtrak.

“This project has the potential to transform the experience of using public transportation and create a stronger connection between bus and rail service,” said RIPTA Board Chairman Patrick Crowley. “State and local leaders, as well as riders and downtown businesses, have been eagerly awaiting a new transit center, which will improve services across the board. The board is confident in RIPTA’s ability to bring forward a well-designed project that takes into account affordability, rider needs and the responsible use of public funding.”

As part of Phase 2, RIPTA will reengage Next Wave Partners to undertake: 

• Architectural and engineering design. 

• Federal environmental review. 

• Coordination with Amtrak on design and construction approvals. 

• Development of a final project proposal and firm, fixed construction price.

RIPTA says it will continue to engage riders throughout this next phase and incorporate feedback to ensure the new transit center reflects the needs of those it serves. The completed design and project proposal will be presented to the board for review and approval before the project moves into construction. The agency says additional information about public engagement opportunities and the project timeline will be announced as the next phase progresses.

“Every decision will be guided by the same priorities that have shaped this process from the beginning: meeting the needs of passengers and drivers, improving connections, enhancing safety and ensuring that the project is financially responsible,” Durand said. “We look forward to continuing to engage riders, neighbors, elected leaders and other stakeholders as the design takes shape.”

According to the agency, approximately $77 million has been committed to the project to date, including $46 million identified in the state of Rhode Island's Transportation Improvement Program, a $25 million U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant and $6 million in state matching funds. A comprehensive cost estimate will be developed through the design process, and the project will undergo an affordability review to ensure that its scope aligns with available funding.

“Voters approved the transit bond in 2014, but for years the funding sat dormant,” said Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee. “My administration partnered with RIPTA to finally put it to work and now we're moving forward with relocating the transit hub out of Kennedy Plaza and building a modern, safe, state-of-the-art facility next to the Providence train station. It will help grow ridership and create new opportunities for RIPTA’s future.”