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Resident warns town council proposed RIPTA cuts would eliminate half of Lincoln’s bus routes
Summary
At public comment a resident urged the Lincoln Town Council to oppose proposed RIPTA cuts to close a $10 million shortfall that would eliminate roughly 50% of Lincoln’s bus routes and reduce frequency on remaining routes, arguing seniors and workers would be harmed.
A Lincoln resident told the Town Council that a Rhode Island Public Transit Authority plan to close a $10 million budget shortfall would disproportionately affect Lincoln and urged the council to advocate for the town.
The resident said RIPTA’s plan would cut ‘‘50% of Lincoln’s bus routes,’’ naming routes that serve the Lincoln Mall, CCRI and Twin River, and said the remaining routes would see sharply reduced frequency (for example, Saturday and Sunday headways increasing to 45–80 minutes on some lines). The speaker emphasized the local reliance on transit for seniors, workers and students and said reduced service would undercut pedestrian‑safety and access goals the town is pursuing.
Several council members and the town administrator said the town had already submitted a letter to RIPTA and that they expect to continue advocacy; the administrator noted a short turnaround on outreach but confirmed the town filed comments on behalf of Lincoln. A council member said the item had been tabled by RIPTA because of public pressure but that the final outcome remained uncertain.
No formal council action on RIPTA was taken at the meeting; the speaker’s comments were recorded during the public‑comment period. Council members acknowledged the concern and described the administration and council outreach to RIPTA.
