City of Providence - Transit 2020

“We have an extraordinary opportunity today to
redefine our transit future. The Metropolitan Providence
Transit Enhancement Study has taken an important step towards creating a robust, comprehensive transit system for Providence and the

surrounding region. The action plan we have proposed will spur economic development, create jobs, and improve our overall quality of life, as well as provide efficient means of transport, a cleaner environment, and greater energy independence. Please join me as I work to build a stronger transit system that will fuel our economy for future generations and allows Providence to realize its full potential as a great 21st century American city.”

Mayor David N. Cicilline

Welcome!

As we consider new investments in our transit system, it is helpful to consider all the benefits that the current transit system brings to Metropolitan Providence and Rhode Island. More specifically, transit:

Facilitates the overall mobility of residents, providing access to health care, job opportunities, education and other needed services

Provides a vital link for older Rhode Islanders and those with disabilities

Stimulates our state’s economy by creating local and green jobs

Supports the state tourism industry by offering visitors easy access to key destinations and attractions

Maximizes travel safety and reduces traffic congestion

Reduces wear and tear on Rhode Island roads, saving on reconstruction costs

Promotes walking, leading to healthier citizens and less strain on our health care system

Reduces our state’s dependence on foreign oil

Helps protect our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Meeting Current Transit Needs and Growing our Transit System

Greater investments in transit will have an overall positive impact on the convenience and attractiveness of existing transit services, will increase the number of passengers using transit throughout the state, and will bring significant positive impacts over the long term.

We can build a different future for our state. A future where people can, and do, leave cars at home, taking advantage of an easy-to-use, integrated, modern transit system serving all Rhode Islanders. People would move about more easily and quickly, with less expense. Traffic would actually flow on streets and highways. Economic productivity would increase, and air and water pollution would decrease. And with the reversal of auto-centered, land-consuming practices, room would remain in Rhode Island for space, for fields and forests, for those features which make Rhode Island special.

This is not an impossible dream. It is a very real possibility. But it is one that will require change if it is to be realized. We hope you support the City of Providence and our neighboring communities as we partner with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to advance and implement new transit investments for our future.