Finally, a sensible idea for public transit in Providence – Boston Globe
Providence City Hall sits at the end of Kennedy Plaza Passenger Terminal in Providence, Rhode Island on May 28, 2020.BLAKE NISSEN FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
Sometimes, it’s a lack of money that can derail a good idea. Other times, it’s a lack of political will — or a lack of support.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s previous proposal to build a multi-hub system that would spread RIPTA buses throughout downtown Providence (rather than having a central hub like Kennedy Plaza) didn’t garner support from anyone not named Peter Alviti (the DOT director) or Joe Paolino (the former mayor and downtown real estate mogul).
Thankfully, there’s a new concept for public transit in downtown that seems to be quietly gaining momentum, appears to be affordable, and would address many of the existing concerns about Kennedy Plaza, including drug and safety issues.