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Angry bus riders decry cuts
By Mark N. Schieldrop/Independent Staff Writer
NARRAGANSETT — The R.I. Public Transit Authority got an earful from residents last week during a public hearing about the financially troubled agency’s proposal to cut routes to close a projected $10 million deficit in the next fiscal year.
“I have radiation treatments every day and I don’t drive,” said Adrian Constantino, an elderly resident. “If I don’t have this RIPTA transportation, I might as well lay down and die.”
Residents told RIPTA officials that they depend on the busy Route 66 bus to get to work in Providence and that the Flex service, which RIPTA is proposing to cut completely, is a lifeline for elderly, disabled and other residents who don’t own cars.
“If I have to go to the city and the bus stops running after 7 p.m., how would I get back?” one resident asked.
Citing high fuel prices – which for next year are expected to jump by more than $5 million – RIPTA is proposing the elimination of supplemental beach bus service in the summer, no more runs to Galilee and ending service at 7 p.m. on weekdays on the Route 66 line.
Mark Therrien, RIPTA’s general manager of transit, development and grants, outlined the cuts in a presentation to a crowd of about 50 residents, local business officials and members of local and state government.
Therrien said that RIPTA is in dire fiscal straights not only because of higher diesel prices. State budget pressures have reduced funding and, as consumers drive less, the agency’s share of the state gas tax revenue declines. The yield from gas tax revenue will fall by $2 million from 2008 to 2009, Therrien said.
RIPTA officials insisted that the agency is doing everything it can to reduce costs besides cutting routes. Capital projects requiring local matching funds have been deferred, 12 vacant positions at the agency have been left unfilled, six general vehicle overhauls have been deferred and $1.4 million in savings have been found through efficiency improvements within the agency’s administration.
Town Councilman George Lenihan said that the decision to cut service is contrary to the notion that in tough economic times, people should be encouraged to use mass transit.
“We’re at a time where we should be investing in mass transit and improving service,” Lenihan said. “It just doesn’t make sense to me.”
Others said that South County’s tourism-based economy depends on RIPTA service. Without it, the economic repercussions could be significant.
“People are flying into Rhode Island and they want to know how to get around in Kingston and South County,” said Myrna George, director of the South County Tourism Council. “Quite often it’s a real challenge to give them that connectedness for our small state.”
Residents suggested that RIPTA find new ways to save money, such as parking buses in South County at the end of routes to save fuel, charging elderly and disabled passengers who normally ride for free, charging businesses who depend on mass transit for employee transportation and charging riders more if they ride long distances.
“Rhode Island is an ideally sized state to take a more forward and visionary approach to transportation,” said resident Jack McCabe. “Our current situation is a result of plodding along and not thinking ahead.”
RIPTA General Manager Alfred Moscola said that the agency appreciates the input from residents and that their comments will be brought back to the RIPTA board, which has yet to make a final decision on the cuts.
“We want input from people to bring all this information back to the Board of Directors,” Moscola said.
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