There’s not much that can be done to prevent a series of proposed service cuts to RIPTA, according to the results of an operational efficiency study released today by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.
The report, conducted by an independent consultant, shows that RIPTA’s operating costs are comparable to similar transit providers, while administrative costs are below average. Still, the agency has been plagued by budget problems for many years and is facing a nearly $18 million budget gap for the current fiscal year.
RIPTA has proposed fare increases and service reductions to help close that shortfall, and the report indicates there aren’t any immediate cost-savings measures available to prevent the cuts.
When considering service cuts, the report recommends that RIPTA identify “less critical or underperforming routes… particularly those with higher operating costs,” to ensure that service reductions don’t have an outsize impact on transit-dependent and low-income populations.
RIPTA is currently conducting public hearings on the proposed reductions; the next one is scheduled for Monday in Providence. RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand will be on hand to address any questions about the efficiency report.
Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi asked RIPTA to conduct the efficiency study last spring in exchange for the legislature providing the transit agency with $15 million in funding. Lawmakers gave RIPTA another $15 million this year, but they’re still facing a nearly $18 million budget gap.
