Statement from Pawtucket Mayor, Donald Grebien, Regarding Proposed RIPTA Cuts

“As Mayor, I am deeply concerned by the cuts being proposed by RIPTA. It is alarming that five routes (71, 73, 75, 76, 80) out of the proposed list of cuts serve Pawtucket.

Just last year, I joined state and local leaders as we cut the ribbon on the brand-new Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Hub, the heart of public transport for both RIPTA and Commuter Rail service in our great city. And now, a year later, the City is at risk of losing so much of what was celebrated that day.

Many Pawtucket residents rely on RIPTA. The proposed cuts will drastically impact their commutes and livelihoods. Not only will this deeply hurt our residents who utilize public transportation for various important elements of their day-to-day lives, but I have already begun to hear from some city employees whose only means of transportation is RIPTA. One employee even mentioned that they would have to look for a new role outside of the city if this came to fruition.

I continue to work with the Pawtucket delegation on joint advocacy efforts against these draconian cuts.”