PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Officials have announced a new transit corridor meant to improve rush hour bus service in parts of Providence.
The 1.4-mile “enhanced transit corridor” will connect the Providence train station to downtown, the Jewelry District and the hospital district.
The corridor would offer bus service an average of every five minutes during peak hours.
The project replaces a long-planned streetcar line, which died earlier this year.
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza says “the bus line will connect Rhode Island’s largest employment hubs, world class institutions, and the downtown core and adjacent neighborhoods.
“We want a city that is more connected, and that will be even more vibrant,” said Governor Gina Raimondo. “In order to bring talent to the capital city and in order to bring businesses here, they want first class infrastructure and first class transit.”
Sen. Jack Reed points out that the bus plan saves about $100 million in capital costs from not having to lay rails in the ground for a streetcar.
The bus plan will be paid for in part by a $13 million federal grant that was awarded for the streetcar. The state will pay an additional $4 million for capital costs.
