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State of Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee

Governor McKee, RIPTA Announce Joint Budget Framework to Close Agency Deficit Without Route Eliminations or Driver Layoffs

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) CEO Christopher Durand today announced a new, jointly-developed budget framework aimed at closing RIPTA’s operating deficit, beginning to strengthen its long-term financial footing, and preserving essential services for Rhode Islanders who rely most on public transit. The new joint proposal achieves these goals without any route eliminations or driver layoffs, while setting the foundation for a stronger, more modern transit system.

In a letter sent to RIPTA’s Board of Directors ahead of its August 28 meeting, the Governor and Durand outlined the proposal, which addresses all of the items raised in the Governor’s August 7 letter to the board: targeted, data-driven service adjustments, new revenue strategies including a fare strategy, and structural reforms aligned with rider demand and efficiency study recommendations. 

“This joint proposal charts a responsible path forward — beginning to stabilize RIPTA’s finances while protecting core service for students and working families who count on transit every day,” said Governor Dan McKee. “These reforms address the multi-year budget deficit at RIPTA without relying on future wide-ranging tax increases for Rhode Islanders.”

“This framework secures RIPTA’s immediate future, while positioning us to build the kind of transit system Rhode Island deserves,” said RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand. “I thank the Governor, the General Assembly, and the RIPTA Board of Directors for their support of public transportation. Together, we’re committed to delivering a modern, efficient, and strong transit system that Rhode Islanders can count on today and in the years ahead.”

“RIPTA provides a critical service for our residents, getting them to school, work, and appointments. Understanding the fiscal realities, we are thankful for the investments made by the Governor and the General Assembly this year to restore key services, which will strengthen our communities and the local economy,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva, President of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns.

Key components of the new budget framework include:

  • Protecting core services so that no current routes will be fully eliminated.
  • Data-driven service realignment that minimizes reductions while generally focusing on lower-ridership routes and off-peak hours;
  • Increased advertising revenue strategies and enhanced federal reimbursements;
  • Administrative efficiencies through targeted staffing adjustments and streamlined operations;
  • A comprehensive, multi-year fare adjustment plan to ensure sufficient revenue for sustaining service;
  • A one-time advance from the State to support implementation and explore federal funding opportunities. 

The proposal protects key services:

  • Continuing the RIde Anywhere program for riders with disabilities without any cuts;
  • Ensuring routes to CCRI and URI remain in place;
  • Protecting core service for Providence Public School students;
  • Maintaining critical service to major employers.

The proposal also includes a commitment to strengthen and modernize public transit by:

  • Expanding employer partnerships;
  • Strategically locating RIPTA’s new central transit hub, moving operations to a state-of-the-art, intermodal facility at the Providence Train Station.

To find service details, click here.