RIPTA, Federal, State, and Local Officials Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center Passenger Facility

New amenity building will feature public restrooms and indoor waiting area

Providence, Rhode Island – Governor McKee, members of the State’s Congressional delegation and General Assembly, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), municipal leaders, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) gathered today to celebrate the start of construction on a new passenger amenity building at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center.

Located at 300 Pine Street, Pawtucket, the new passenger facility will feature public restrooms, driver restrooms and break room, a waiting area with seating and real-time passenger information screens, and a Pawtucket Police sub-station and security office. RIPTA will also have a staffed customer service window to assist riders as needed. This new building will improve the passenger experience for both bus and rail passengers.

“We are thrilled to break ground on this new passenger facility at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center, which will greatly enhance the experience for our riders,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer. “With added amenities like public restrooms, comfortable waiting areas, and a customer service window, this project reflects our commitment to providing a safe, convenient, and modern transit hub for both bus and rail passengers. We’re grateful for the support from Governor McKee and our federal, state, and local partners who are making this vital improvement possible for our riders.”

This project will ensure that bus and rail connections can be made at a convenient and comfortable location, as recommended in Rhode Island’s 2020 statewide Transit Master Plan, Transit Forward Rhode Island.

Bentley Builders is scheduled to start construction next week; with completion expected in late fall/early winter 2026. Governor McKee allocated $5 million for the construction of this 2,600-square-foot passenger facility building within his FY23 budget.

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“Today, we’re taking another step forward in creating a more convenient, passenger-centered experience here at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This enhancement of the transit center combined with the constriction of the Tidewater stadium, and investments we’ve made to create more housing in the area, are helping us create a hub of activity, community, and economic opportunity that will benefit Blackstone Valley for generations to come. I was proud to include funding for the amenities building in my FY23 budget and I thank our congressional delegation, Mayor Grebien, Mayor Rivera, RIPTA, and all the partners that supported this project to help us better serve Rhode Islanders.”

“This new passenger facility will provide a comfortable, modern space for RIPTA riders and commuter rail passengers who are waiting to catch their connection,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “Over the last two decades, I helped deliver $43 million in federal investments to complete the state-of-the-art Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center and improve transit connectivity.  This new facility will complement the transit center, offer more amenities, and help spur further economic development.”

“This brand-new, state-of-the art transit hub will improve the experience for public transit riders in Rhode Island — making sure that passengers can wait for their bus or train in comfort and safety,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I appreciate the state’s bold commitment to transit riders with this $5 million allocation and I look forward to celebrating this new facility in Pawtucket when it opens its doors.”

“Public transit should be comfortable, convenient, and safe for all Rhode Island travelers, especially an alternative to car travel. The new passenger amenity building we are breaking ground on today will make the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center a more attractive mode of travel for commuters and tourists alike,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “Supporting this new station has been a team effort, and I want to recognize the collaborative and supportive work of Governor McKee and our state agencies, our congressional delegation, the General Assembly, and the municipal leaders who have worked tirelessly to open and improve the Transit Center.”

“I’ve been passionate about equitable transportation for all Rhode Islanders since my tenure at Central Falls City Hall,” said General Treasurer James A. Diossa.  “This transit center will improve health and educational outcomes while spurring economic development in the Blackstone Valley. I am proud to be breaking ground on this facility and grateful for all the partners who have made this possible.”

“RIPTA’s Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center represents a gateway to opportunities for the hundreds of passengers who utilize its services every day, and its new passenger facility will provide riders with amenities and a more positive experience. The reliable transportation that RIPTA provides enables area residents expand their horizons for job opportunities, access medical appointments, and have more options for recreation,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “The Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center is also spurring development, and I was proud to support legislation that incentivizes the production of housing around transportation hubs such as this.”

“I am thrilled to be part of such a major moment through the groundbreaking of the new passenger facility at the Pawtucket Central Falls Transit Center. This state-of-the-art building will greatly enhance the travel experience for our community with its modern amenities,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “Thanks to the Governor’s $5M allocation in the state budget, this will be a significant investment in our city’s infrastructure and the safety and convenience of our passengers. We look forward to seeing these improvements come to life and to continuing our work to make Pawtucket a better place to live and travel.”

 “This new passenger facility is a great example of collaboration between our municipal, state, and federal partners,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “We’re committed to providing a more comfortable and modern transit experience for our residents who rely on bus and rail services every day. This facility will not only improve convenience and safety for daily riders but will also make Central Falls more welcoming to visitors, supporting our vibrant community and local businesses.”

“We are pleased to see RIPTA and RIDOT’s commitment to providing a safer and better experience for transit riders,” said FTA Regional Administrator Peter Butler. “Today, we are celebrating how Rhode Island is continuing to provide opportunities for how people travel while improving air quality and building a better future.”

“We could not be more pleased with the performance of the Pawtucket-Central Falls commuter station that RIDOT opened in 2023,” said Director Peter Alviti, Rhode Island Department of Transportation. “There has been dramatic growth and ridership doubled between March 2023 and June 2024 alone.  This new amenity building adds value to an already successful station.”

For more information on RIPTA services, passengers can call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.