Mayor Jorge Elorza Mayor joined Governor Gina Raimondo, the Rhode Island congressional delegation, representatives from the Federal Transit Administration, RIPTA, and RIDOT to announce a planned 1.4 mile Enhanced Transit Corridor in downtown Providence that will encourage long-term economic activity.

It will connect the state’s largest employment hubs and institutions to the downtown core, I-195 land and surrounding neighborhoods with fast, convenient bus service.  At peak periods, waiting times should be around 5 minutes. According to Senator Jack Reed, the project will have the convenience of a streetcar, with dedicated shelters and stops, signal prioritization and frequent service. However, unlike a streetcar, which would have required a large capital investment for laying rails, this system is cost-effective and flexible. Other amenities include curb extensions, seating, increased signage, ticket vending machines, WiFi, real time arrival information, and bike share equipment.

The Enhanced Transit Corridor will follow Exchange, Dorrance, and Eddy streets, connecting the intermodal hubs at the Providence train station and Hospital District through Kennedy Plaza, downtown, and the I-195 land. It will utilize $13 million in TIGER VI funds, which had originally been awarded for a streetcar project. Capital costs are expected to be $17 million, with the state providing additional funding.

Find more information at on the city’s website, providenceri.com.