This grant will support increased ridership enhanced travel times and reduced emissions

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority $8,437,500 on June 24, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to sustain R-Line fixed-route transit service and passenger communications through July 2028.

The funding supports continued operation of the existing R-Line service and ongoing communication to Rhode Island residents regarding schedules, service changes, and accessible transportation options. Expected outcomes include timely and safe R-Line service delivery and sustained passenger awareness of service information and commuter resources.

The award obligates $8,437,500 with performance occurring in Rhode Island from the award date through July 1, 2028. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, operating as Ripta and a division of the State of Rhode Island, received the award directly with no sub-recipients involved. The Urbanized Area Formula Funding Program provides federal resources to transit agencies, states, and local governments for transit capital and operating assistance and transportation-related planning in urbanized areas. This assistance type is a formula grant.

Activities

These funds will support the existing r-line service and will support the continued sharing of information regarding schedules changes in service and other accessible modes of transportation to aid in passenger travel.

Expected outcomes

Continued timely and safe service on r-line service as well as spread of information regarding schedules and commuter resources for RI residents.

Intended beneficiaries

The residents of RI will benefit from the frequent service provided by the r-line and the information shared to keep them informed of any changes to service.