No Express Buses to RI Beaches This Summer — Raises Concerns About Coronavirus Spread
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
A RIPTA bus driver is raising concerns that there are no plans for direct beach service this summer on weekends — with more Rhode Island beaches expected to be reopened starting June 1.
“This means families in Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, North Providence, Cranston, Johnston, and Providence will have no express bus to beaches, going or return trip,” said Joe Cole, a veteran RIPTA driver. “They would have to take regular service, which leaves only Providence — and it takes an hour and half on a good day.”
“The Governor should reinstate the service, especially when people have no other travel plans, and especially in the low-income areas,” said Cole.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Center for Disease Control has issued guidance for public transportation.
- Limit touching frequently touched surfaces (e.g. turnstiles, ticket machines)
- Traveling during non-peak hours
- Skip seats
- Enter and exit buses through rear entry doors
“A family from Central Falls would have to take the 72 (bus) to Providence, wait for the 66 (bus), go to the beach, with the kids and a cooler,” said Cole of the extended trip without direct beach service.
“This is the Ocean State. If they’re working hard, they deserve an easy trip to the beach,” added Cole. RIPTA officials did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Cole said he realized there might be budgetary concerns, but that if the routes go away, “They’re likely not coming back.”
“And people won’t know what’s happening until after it’s gone,” said Cole, of the service.
Working During Coronavirus — and Reopening
Cole said the drivers have worked through the state mandating that only 15 people can ride a bus, but are now looking to what happens with the economy reopening.
The longer -- non-direct -- bus travel will increase the chances of spread.
“We do have concerns about what happens when things start opening up, with the warm weather,” said Cole. “I know RIPTA is looking into new [air] filters currently.”
“RIPTA has done a good job sanitizing the buses,” said Cole. “We do have some worries though about what happens now in phase two.”
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