Central Falls mayor, legislative leaders oppose devastating proposed RIPTA cuts
CENTRAL FALLS, RI (March 6, 2024) – This week in a letter to Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), Mayor Maria Rivera, together with the city’s legislative delegation, expressed their deep concern regarding recently proposed RIPTA cuts, including Route 71, that would devastate the Central Falls community.
“The proposed RIPTA cuts would take away a third of the available bus routes in Central Falls. As a One Square Mile city, we see the way our community relies on the existing RIPTA routes for their daily lives – to get to jobs in other communities, childcare and school commitments, medical appointments, and so much more,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “As mayor, I was proud to work with RIPTA when they identified our city to pilot their new geofencing technology, due to our small size and large percentage of residents who rely on public transportation. These cuts will have detrimental impacts on our families, including job loss. We urge RIPTA to reconsider these Central Falls cuts.”
“As someone raised in Central Falls, RIPTA was and continues to be invaluable to me and others in the community,” said Rep. Joshua Giraldo (District 56). “It is upsetting to know that despite Central Falls being amongst the most harshly impacted by these cuts, there have not been any public hearings scheduled in the city.”
“Public transportation is an important economic engine for our state and our residents,” said Sen. Jonathon Acosta (District 16).
“RIPTA is an important resource for our constituents,” said Rep. Brandon Voas (District 57). “We urge you to consider the negative impact these cuts will have on constituents in Central Falls and beyond.”
“Not only is RIPTA essential for many of our residents to engage in their daily lives, but it also is key in expanding economic opportunities for residents,” said Rep. Karen Alzate (District 60).
Central Falls is the state’s poorest municipality, with many residents not owning or having access to vehicles. The city’s workforce depends heavily on public transportation to keep their jobs, local employers rely on the existing bus routes to ensure their employees can get to work, and families rely on the current routes every day for school, appointments, and more. The proposed RIPTA cuts would take away a third of available bus routes in the city.
