Six Cups of Coffee

RIPTA, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, has had budget problems. A lot of them, and over a long period of time. In years past, the Authority has dealt with the issue of budget deficits by cutting service; in the last 30 years, fixed routes in the state bus system have faced cuts 28 times, leaving many area riders with less and less transportation options. 

During the last round of budget cuts, which necessitated finding just over $4 million in potential budget reductions, instead of cutting service, they cut bloat; over 30 non-transportation jobs are being eliminated. 

“Faced with a staggering budget deficit, we had to make tough decisions regarding the structure and operation of our organization,” said RIPTA's CEO, Charles Odimgbe. “Like any business operating in these difficult times, we had to streamline our operations to most effectively carry out RIPTA’s mission, as the state’s “Mobility Manager,” by operating in a fiscally responsible manner for our riders.” 

Obviously, this is a double-edged sword; no one wants to see people out of work. Since RIPTA is only funded in part publicly, it relies on rider fares to keep its operation running. To that end, Odimgbe also pledged to hire twenty new drivers by April 2012. Earlier this fall, RIPTA cut service one more time, but it seems that, according to Odimgbe's statements, that won't be happening again.  “We find ourselves hard pressed to make any more cuts to service at a time when people, many facing major economic need, depend on us for transportation."

Acknowledging the economic pressure of low-income riders, he added, "and at a $2 fare, we currently have one of the highest fares in the country."

While job losses are bad, hiring or keeping jobs at the expense of transportation routes isn't the way to go. Neither is raising fares. RIPTA's fares are high, and although there is statewide service that is extensive, more increases in the price of transportation for less service would make it even more difficult for low-income residents to get to work and do other things they aready have difficulty doing. It would cause further hardship in an economic climate that already fosters plenty of privation. The RIPTA board's decision was the right one to make, and should make other cities and states look at the problem differently than they have been.