Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

December 2012HIGHWAY DRAINAGEInsufficient highway drainage can affect highway safety. Ponding of water on highway surfaces creates poor traction for vehicles and can lead to loss of control.To correct unsafe roadway conditions caused by improper drainage, and to enhance environmental quality, the FY 2013 – 2016 TIP includes $4 million fordrainage improvements statewide under the Traffic Safety Program. Further discussion of water quality can be found in Part Four.PUBLIC TRANSITFIXED ROUTE BUSPrivate companies developed trolley lines in the late 1800s, first horse-drawn, then electric. Ridership rose through the early 1900s and flourished againduring World War II. After World War II, trolleys were replaced by buses. As suburban development spread and auto ownership increased, however,ridership on the private transit system fell drastically. In 1964 the state created the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). RIPTA doubled the routesystem by 1986, to 447 miles, making it a statewide system. Expansion was supported not only by the state but also by federal operating assistance, whichbegan in FY 1975. RIPTA's enabling legislation was changed in 2007. Originally created to take over failed transit systems, it now is designated to be theState's mobility manager. Currently there are 236 buses, 37 Park 'n' Ride lots, and 54 routes statewide with a single fare ($2.00 per ride). All passengervehicles are equipped for people with disabilities and all full size buses contain bicycle racks. Levels of service on RIPTA’s fixed routes vary from route to route,depending on demand; some routes offer only weekday service while other routes operate evenings and Saturdays and Sundays. Twelve colleges anduniversities have been recruited to participate in the U-Pass Program for students. The level of participation for these schools varies from statewide bus travelwith the presentation of the school and/or staff ID to fare products being sold on campus. RIPTA operates trolley service in Newport and Providence (3routes) with a fleet of five historic-style green trolleys and ten hybrid trolleys.A Vision for the Future of Transit in Rhode Island, RIPTA’s five year strategic plan, was completed in 2012. The plan outlined five major goals for RIPTA’sfuture:• Serve as Rhode Island’s mobility manager• Attract more riders• Grow the transit network to expand mobility and support economic growth• Realize the environmental, economic, and quality of life benefits of transit• Identify a sustainable funding strategyTransportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611Rhode Island Statewide Planning ProgramPage 2-6