Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Embattled CEO Charles Odimgbe, who was placed on administrative leave last month while the agency's finances are being investigated, ordered the new color scheme, but did not seek the approval of the agency’s board of directors, a RIPTA spokesperson said.

Officials said that the decision was made so state police could complete the review of the agency more effectively. The review stems from an incident in which someone covered security cameras in a room where cash fares are counted.

Lt. Col. Raymond Studley, the No. 2 person at the state police, will work with RIPTA's chief executive on what he called "the overall picture." He won't be directly involved in looking into what happened during a security breach in June, when someone covered a security camera in a room where cash bus fares are handled.

Conducted over the phone, designed to improve communication with non-English speaking passengers. Offers interpretation in over 170 languages.

Manufactured by Gillig Bus, in partnership with Cable Car Classics, each vehicle seats approximately 32 passengers and cost $696,959.50. FTA grants funded the base cost of the trolleys, and ARRA covered the incremental cost of the hybrid propulsion system.

The 10 vehicles will help fill a service void for those that don't qualify for RIPTA's paratransit services, or do not live near the agency's bus lines.

Charles Odimgbe, currently the general manager of Chatham Area Transit Authority in Savannah, Ga., wants to expand RIPTA's finances and role in the community.

On Monday, the agency displayed the new bus and trolley at a news conference at Kennedy Plaza.