These 7 places could host the state's new bus hub. Here's a breakdown.
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has narrowed the list of possible sites for a new state bus hub to replace Kennedy Plaza down to seven choices.
Now, the agency is looking for feedback from riders and other members of the public on which, if any, they prefer.
Background on the bus hub plan
The bus hub plan – backed by $35 million that voters approved for transit infrastructure in 2014 – is being developed by a private consortium with RIPTA.
It is expected to include apartments and shops as well as bus berths, restrooms, an information desk and an indoor waiting area.
At times, development of a parcel of state-owned former Interstate 195 land near Interstate 95 has appeared a fait accompli.
But no decision has been made, according to RIPTA leaders and the development group working on the project.
The six other locations are being studied, several of them having been considered as prime hub locations before.
Transit advocates are largely opposed to building a new hub and argue that the cash-strapped agency should focus resources on improving service, not pursuing real estate development projects.
The public was invited to look at maps and diagrams describing the possible sites – and vote on their preference – until 7 p.m. Monday at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. (Vote totals are not expected to be made public.)
A future public information session is planned at the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.
RIPTA and the Next Wave Rhode Island Partners consortium hope to narrow the choices down to two or three sites by mid summer and select a preferred location by the end of summer.
The choices, numbered to match the accompanying map provided by RIPTA:
T: Existing transit center at Kennedy Plaza
Location: The middle of downtown, next to the Superman Building, City Hall, federal courthouse and post office.
Selling point: It's central, it works and supporters argue money should be spent improving service, not on a fancy new building.
Land area: 7 acres
Ownership: Public
2: Clifford Street parking garage next to Garrahy courthouse
Location: Clifford, Richmond and Friendship streets
Selling Point: On many days, the state-funded parking garage is at least half empty. And when voters approved the $35 million a decade ago, then-Gov. Lincoln Chafee floated this location, where the garage was already planned. Construction would have to happen in or around an existing parking garage, but that has been done in other cities
Area: 1.49 acres
Ownership: Public
3: Dorrance Street
Location: Surface parking lots between Dorrance, Clifford and Friendship streets
Selling Point: This was the most recent site planned for a mixed-use bus hub real estate project, before the location was passed over amid cost concerns.
Land area: 1.42 acres
Ownership: Private, Paolino Properties
4: The former Victory Plating property on Eddy Street
Location: Vacant lot between I-95, Eddy Street and Point Street
Land area: 7.85 acres
Ownership: Private, Lifespan
5: Exchange Street Capital Center
Location: Surface parking lots between Exchange Street and One Citizens Plaza office building
Selling Point: Centrally located between Kennedy Plaza and train station
Land area: 1.86 acres in 2 parcels
Ownership: Private, Capital Properties
6: I-195 Commission Parcel 35
Location: Friendship and Clifford streets, near Interstate 95
Selling Point: State-owned land intended for redevelopment and backed by Gov. Dan McKee and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley
Land area: 2.15 acres
Ownership: Public
7: State House Lawn and parking lots
Location: Grassy area between Gaspee Street and the State House, plus a parking lot on the north side of Smith Street next to the Department of Transportation Building. This was the preferred site for a bus hub in 2018, when a group including current consortium member Marsella Development bid to build an underground complex there.
Selling Point: Across the street from the train station. Lots of space
Land area: 4.13 acres
Ownership: Public
8: Capital Center Park Row West
Location: Vacant lot between the Northeast Corridor tracks and Station Row apartment buildings.
Selling Point: Closest to train station and not far from Kennedy Plaza. Planned for development.
Land area: 1.48 acres
Ownership: Private, Capital Properties
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RIPTA bus hub could go on one of these 7 locations in Providence
