Traffic & Transit
RIPTA Buses Limited To 15 People: Coronavirus In RI
RIPTA will help fill in delivery gaps for Meals on Wheels in Pawtucket.
PROVIDENCE, RI — Strict 15-person limits have been placed on Rhode Island Public Transit Authority buses to allow for passenger distancing during the coronavirus crisis. Additional, smaller vehicles have been added to busy routes to help meet passenger demands.
RIPTA buses will continue to run because they are an essential service, Gov. Gina Raimondo said last week. Riders are reminded to wear a fabric face covering when on buses and when out in public.
"The bus drivers are out there every day helping people get where they need to be," Raimondo said. "That said, we need to take every precaution to keep our drivers and riders safe.” Regarding RIPTA providing assistance with Meals on Wheels deliveries, the Governor thanked RIPTA and its drivers for stepping up."
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The department is also working with Meals on Wheels to fill gaps in delivery routes in the Pawtucket area. Scott Avedesian, RIPTA's CEO, said the deliveries will begin this week.
"We take the responsibility of providing essential service very seriously," Avedisian said. "We are also aware of the need to be very flexible right now and to find opportunities to help people whenever we can. We are happy to be able to help Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island fulfill their vital role in our state."
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Smaller RIde vans have been added to busy routes, such as the R-Line, to accommodate more passengers while the distancing orders are in place. These vans can accommodate up to four passengers each.
"We know that there is plenty of room for proper distancing on almost all of our buses due to diminished ridership, but we also know that we have extra vehicles available right now," Avedisian said. "This is a prudent use of these vehicles as we continue to provide essential service throughout our state."
Coroanvirus in Rhode Island: Latest headlines
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