| R 169 |
| 2026 -- H 8304 Enacted 03/17/2026 |
| 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 |
| 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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