2026 -- H 8304

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LC003535

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH 18, 2026, TO BE "TRANSIT EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY"

IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Cruz,
Stewart, McEntee, Shanley, Kennedy, and Ackerman

     Date Introduced: March 17, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, In 2024, approximately 7.7 billion public transportation rides occurred in

the United States, an estimated 7 percent increase over 2023. It is estimated that approximately

eight percent of the United States population, twenty-eight million people, are public

transportation dependent; and

     WHEREAS, Across the United States, it is estimated that more than 400,000 hard-

working Americans work in the public transportation industry. Each day they strive tirelessly to

ensure that their riders are picked up and dropped off promptly at their intended destination, be it

for work, doctor’s offices or any other number of destinations such as the beach in the

summertime, and these fine professionals ensure that they arrive safely; and

     WHEREAS, Public transportation workers secure safe rides for many passengers with

disabilities, older adults, minors and students attending college. They work in all weather

conditions and remained on the job during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic healthcare

issues; and

     WHEREAS, It is estimated that every $1 billion dollars invested in American public

transportation yields $5 billion dollars in additional economic impact, including the creation of

18,000 new jobs. In addition, public transportation is certainly one of the weapons that will be an

essential component in the fight to mitigate global warming and its devastating impact on planet

Earth; and

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA)

was created in 1966, and since then it has provided public transportation services for the past 60

years to countless Rhode Islanders. RIPTA operates seven days a week and operates 2,700 to

3,300 daily trips on more than 58 statewide-fixed bus routes. RIPTA also operates ADA

Paratransit services statewide, and provides Park N Ride Service at many key locations across

Rhode Island. RIPTA employs approximately 900 hard-working employees, maintains a fleet of

230 fixed-route buses with 58 to 59 fixed-bus routes, 96 paratransit buses, and 20 flex vans; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims March 18, 2026, to be “Transit Employee Appreciation Day” in the State of Rhode

Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Christopher Durand, Chief Executive Officer,

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.

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LC003535

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