Transit Leaders Join RIPTA to Unveil New Paratransit Fleet

Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas, and local officials joined the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) in Providence to unveil Rhode Island’s new paratransit fleet Sept. 2.

Fifty new Model 1 Frontrunner vans have been added to RIPTA’s fleet to replace aging vehicles in its RIde paratransit fleet and expand capacity for growing RIde and Flex On Demand service. This $12 million investment was made possible with $9.7 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding secured with the support of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation and a 20 percent state match.

“We are grateful for our congressional delegation’s continued investment in public transportation,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA chief executive officer. “For riders with disabilities, a safe, reliable, and accessible vehicle is essential to maintaining independence and connecting to jobs, healthcare, education, and their communities.”

Since the IIJA was signed into law in 2021, RIPTA has secured more than $100 million in federal discretionary funding, compared with $36.5 million over the previous five years. These competitive federal awards have supported crucial state-of-good-repair projects across RIPTA’s facilities, recent and upcoming fleet replacements, and other investments that allow the agency to stretch its federal formula funds further to support technology and passenger amenities.

“Public transit should be accessible, affordable, and convenient for everyone,” said Sen. Reed. “I’m pleased that RIPTA was able to utilize $9.7 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Senator Whitehouse and I helped pass to purchase these new vehicles. These new vans are a smart, cost-effective investment that will provide a safer, smoother experience for passengers and operators alike.”

“I was pleased to help secure this federal investment for 50 new RIPTA vans to improve service for Rhode Island riders with disabilities,” said Senator Whitehouse. “As the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I am working hard to secure additional investments to upgrade Rhode Island’s infrastructure and our public transportation fleet.”

“Congratulations to RIPTA for all they are doing to improve and expand service for their community,” said Paul Skoutelas. “Investments like this make public transportation more accessible and affordable, create jobs, and drive the U.S. economy—all great reasons for Congress to continue strong, predictable federal funding to expand and modernize transit.”

“As a longtime RIde rider and a blind member of the RIPTA Board, I have a unique appreciation for what this investment means to the people who depend on accessible transportation every day,” said Heather Schey, RIPTA Board member and independent living coordinator/advocate at Ocean State Center for Independent Living. “Reliable transportation is a critical part of independence, and these new vans will help ensure that Rhode Islanders with disabilities can get to their jobs, appointments, activities, and communities safely and with dignity. I am grateful to our congressional delegation and state leaders for their commitment and hard work in securing this important investment.”