Transit authority's self-evaluation demonstrates parity in efficiency with comparable public transportation entities
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has released a comprehensive operational efficiency study report, aiming to improve the agency's long-term sustainability. The independent study, conducted by WSP and Foursquare ITP, provides an in-depth analysis of RIPTA's operations, costs, and performance.
According to the report, RIPTA's fixed-route service, the backbone of its system, performs well, particularly in core urban corridors. The study recommends investing in high-performing routes to strengthen these corridors further.
However, the report also suggests reassessing and realigning underperforming services with equity considerations. This is to ensure that services match demand and reduce costs, while still serving vulnerable populations, such as those using the RIde Program for individuals with disabilities.
The study highlights that RIPTA has a higher farebox recovery rate than most of its peers, and generates more advertising revenue than most. It recommends implementing fare adjustments, including a fare increase aligned with inflation and possibly a shift toward zone-based pricing, as fares have been unchanged for over 15 years.
Despite serving an area more than twice the size of the average peer agency, RIPTA's cost per trip is in line with peers. The report suggests reducing management and administrative expenses to operate within available funding.
The study also recommends leveraging technology to expand system access and improve operational efficiency. This includes maximizing federal funding opportunities, such as programs like Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) and indirect cost recovery.
Lastly, the report suggests balancing revenue enhancement strategies with targeted service reductions, avoiding broad across-the-board cuts in favor of more nuanced proposals. RIPTA and its Board are actively reviewing and integrating these findings into daily operations and future planning.
The full report is available on RIPTA's website for public viewing. The report was a condition of the fiscal year 2025 state budget, and RIPTA previously released three draft sections of the study focusing on peer agency comparisons to inform state budget discussions.
[1] Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) website: [Link to the report on RIPTA's website] [2] Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) publishes final operational efficiency study report. [3] RIPTA and its board of directors review and incorporate recommendations into the agency's daily operations. [4] The report was completed independently by WSP and Foursquare ITP.
[1] To enhance operational efficiency and improve long-term sustainability, RIPTA should invest in technology to expand system access and improve operational efficiency, as suggested in the final operational efficiency study report published by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).
[2] In the finance sector, RIPTA could potentially reduce management and administrative expenses to operate within available funding, as recommended in the operational efficiency study report conducted by WSP and Foursquare ITP.
