Rep. Edwards urges RIPTA restore Tiverton service

Rep. Jay Edwards (D-70) has requested that the RI Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) restore service to Tiverton now that the Sakonnet River Bridge is fully operational, according to a state house news release today. The request was made by Edwards in a letter to RIPTA Chair and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian.

“My constituents need access to public transportation, as any other city or town in Rhode Island,” Edwards wrote. “We have been paying and continue to pay our share of the gas tax through which [RIPTA] is funded. We expect our fair share of access to public transportation as afforded elsewhere.”

Rep. Edwards noted in the release that Tiverton is one of a handful of towns in Rhode Island without a RIPTA bus line, and that public transportation in town would have a positive impact for residents looking for work or access to education.

“That’s all anyone cares about right now – getting back on their feet,” Edwards said of his request to Avedisian. “The sooner people gain momentum in the employment world, the sooner the state’s economy gets back on track. I understand there are financial concerns, but we also need to work in the interest of fairness. I sincerely hope Chairman Avedisian gives this request some serious consideration.”

The new bridge eliminates the 18-ton weight limit that formerly barred RIPTA busses from crossing on Route 24. It became fully operational on Friday, Sept. 28, after three years of construction.

Editorial note: Written from a press release.