Transit Advocates Applaud Speaker’s Pledge to Strengthen RIPTA

The need for change in the funding and future of the Rhode Island Transit Authority now deserves legislative attention.

On July 18, 2012, Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox submitted a signed response to a candidate questionnaire from the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action (a complete copy of the survey is available upon request by writing to jamierhodes@cleanwater.org). 

On that questionnaire, Question 3 asked: “Would you support legislation that dedicates a portion of the Transportation Trust Fund to RIPTA in order to cover budget shortfalls and allow for implementation of the Five-Year Strategic Plan?” 

In response, Speaker Fox checked the box marked “Undecided,” and then provided the following, hand-written response:

“RIPTA must have a predictable funding source.  I want to make that a high priority should I be re-elected as Representative and as Speaker.”

On the same questionnaire, Question 12 asked: “What will be your top three priorities if elected?” 

Speaker Fox’s hand-written response was:  “A.) Focusing on job creation and improving the economy, B.) Passage of marriage equality legislation, and C.) Creation of a predictable funding source for RIPTA.”

RIPTA is centrally important to the economic development and well-being of Rhode Islanders; ridership continues to increase (11 percent between 2010 and 2012) and the overwhelming majority of RIPTA rides are taken to jobs, school and doctors’ visits.  Senior citizens who can no longer drive safely rely heavily on RIPTA. 

Public transit must be an important part of reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, H-5073 provides more money to DOT than under current law in each and every fiscal year for desperately needed road and bridge maintenance and repair projects.

There is only one bill currently before the General Assembly that would provide, in Speaker Fox’s words, “a predictable funding source” for RIPTA.  That bill is H-5073.  Based on Speaker Fox’s statements, we are hopeful that H-5073 will be heard promptly in the Finance Committee and will have the Speaker’s strong and visible support on the floor.

John Flaherty