Public Invited to Provide Input on Transportation Needs for State’s Coordinated Transportation Plan
Four Virtual Public Meetings to be held April 25 to May 4
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and the Rhode Island Human Services Transportation Coordinating Council are hosting four virtual public meetings focusing on transportation needs for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and others in need of transportation assistance. These virtual listening sessions give the public an opportunity to provide input on the statewide Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Coordinated Plan. This plan focuses on enhancing mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities and was last updated in 2018.
The virtual listening sessions are scheduled on Zoom as follows:
• Monday, April 25 • 1pm to 2:30pm
• Wednesday, April 27 • 5pm to 6:30pm
• Thursday, April 28 • 10am to 11:30am
• Wednesday, May 4 • 3pm to 4:30pm
Who should attend?
Individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people in need of transportation assistance, as well as any organizations that represent these populations.
ASL interpretation will be provided. To register in advance or learn more about the plan, visit RIPTA.com/CoordinatedPlan. People may also call (401) 784-9500 x1283 to request a call-in number or other accommodations.
As the designated Mobility Manager for Rhode Island, RIPTA provides public transit services that meet the mobility needs of all people in the state, including older adults and individuals with disabilities. In 2017, the Rhode Island General Assembly also instructed RIPTA to convene a statewide Human Services Transportation Coordinating Council to better integrate programs across the various state agencies that support individuals in need of specialized transportation assistance.
RIPTA and the Coordinating Council are tasked with preparing regular updates to the statewide Coordinated Plan in accordance with federal guidelines. This plan must be updated every five years to consider the changing transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes; provide strategies for meeting those needs; and prioritize services for funding and implementation.
RIPTA encourages transportation consumers, providers, representatives of advocacy organizations, and others to participate in one of the four public listening sessions. A second round of listening sessions is anticipated for later this summer.
