2024 -- H 8063

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LC005673

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

SUPPORTING CONTINUED FOCUS AND ACTIONS FOR MAINTAINING AND

IMPROVING ADEQUATE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BY THE RHODE ISLAND

PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY IN WEST WARWICK

     Introduced By: Representatives Noret, Serpa, Shekarchi, Nardone, Roberts, Vella-
Wilkinson, Shanley, Bennett, and Edwards

     Date Introduced: March 13, 2024

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (the “Authority”), an authority

created under the provisions of §39-18-2 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, is currently

reviewing, considering, and proposing the adjustment, reduction, and/or the elimination of select

public transit services and/or routes in and to the Town of West Warwick and surrounding

communities (collectively, "these communities") that, could adversely impact those communities;

and

     WHEREAS, The General Assembly recognizes that access to public transportation is

vital to maintain community, family, and individual health and wellbeing, and for acquiring

nourishment, healthcare, employment, and other critical needs; and

     WHEREAS, The proposed adjustments, reductions, and eliminations by the Authority

could have adverse consequences on the residents of West Warwick and the surrounding

communities in a number of areas, including, but not limited to, the areas of health, wellbeing,

and having access to nourishment, healthcare, employment, and other necessities; and

     WHEREAS, These adverse consequences are inapposite to the purposes and mission of

the Authority as set forth in §39-18-3;

     WHEREAS, The General Assembly recognizes the hardship these proposed

modifications, reductions, and total cuts in transit service could produce in West Warwick and the

surrounding communities, and wishes to support these communities in this regard; now therefore,

be it

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly requests the Authority review the financial and

operational needs of the Authority, to revisit the issue of providing transit services to the Town of

West Warwick and surrounding communities, and to meet with civic and community leaders in

the Town of West Warwick and surrounding communities, where reduction in transit services are

being proposed, to:

     • Review and reassess the impact these proposed reductions and cuts in transit

service would have on these communities, taking into account the total population in each of

these communities;

     • Explore options to assess the transportation needs of these communities; and

     • Ensure the public transit service provided is sufficient to meet the needs of these

communities outlined in this resolution; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the secretary of state be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and

to the town council president and the town manager of the Town of West Warwick.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

SUPPORTING CONTINUED FOCUS AND ACTIONS FOR MAINTAINING AND

IMPROVING ADEQUATE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BY THE RHODE ISLAND

PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY IN WEST WARWICK

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     This joint resolution would direct the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to review the

financial and operational needs of the Authority, to revisit the issue of providing transit services

to the Town of West Warwick and surrounding communities, and to host open meetings in the

Town of West Warwick and surrounding communities to address issues of transit services in the

area.

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