METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

RIPTA, Government Leaders Celebrate Launch of New Passenger Facility

The new building will improve the passenger experience for both bus and rail passengers.

January 20, 2026
RIPTA, Government Leaders Celebrate Launch of New Passenger Facility

Governor McKee allocated $5 million for the construction of this 2,600-square-foot passenger facility building within his FY23 budget. 

2 min to read


Governor Dan McKee, members of the State’s Congressional delegation and General Assembly, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), municipal leaders, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) gathered to celebrate the opening of the new passenger amenity building at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center.

The new passenger facility features public restrooms, driver restrooms, a break room, a waiting area with seating and real-time passenger information screens, and a security office. RIPTA will also have a staffed customer service window to assist riders as needed. 

Ad Loading...

The new building will improve the passenger experience for both bus and rail passengers.

“We’re excited to welcome passengers to the new facility at the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center, which represents the future we’re building — a transit system that’s modern, reliable, and centered on the people who use it every day,” said RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand. “With amenities like public restrooms, comfortable waiting areas, real-time information, and an on-site customer service window, this investment reinforces our commitment to providing a safe, accessible, and welcoming hub for both bus and rail customers.”

The new passenger facility features public restrooms, driver restrooms, a break room, a waiting area with seating and real-time passenger information screens, and a security office. 

Funding for Project

Governor McKee allocated $5 million for the construction of this 2,600-square-foot passenger facility building within his FY23 budget. Bentley Builders served as the general contractor constructing the building, and BL Companies designed the facility.

“I’m proud to have been a day-one supporter of the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center, including providing state funding in my budget to help advance the new passenger amenities building,” said Governor McKee. “This project complements the investments my administration has made across Pawtucket — from Centreville Bank Stadium to new housing and modern schools. Together, these projects will drive economic activity, support job growth, and create new opportunities for our entire state. I’m grateful to our partners for their collaboration.”

More Bus

Spare logo for Fixed Route Platform
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Spare Expands AI-Native Operations Platform With Fixed-Route Capabilities

The launch marks a major milestone in Spare’s vision for unified transit operations.

Read More →
Bus manufacturing image from ENC
Busby Staff and News ReportsMay 18, 2026

ENC Lands Additional 10-Bus Order From Academy Bus

The latest purchase brings Academy Bus’ AXESS fleet orders to 35 vehicles as ENC continues expanding its heavy-duty transit lineup.

Read More →
ENC's Manufacturing facility
Busby Alex RomanMay 18, 2026

ENC Builds on Legacy with Major Investment, Strategic Reset

Following its 2024 acquisition, ENC is upgrading operations, expanding capacity, and aligning its approach to meet agency demand for reliability and on-time delivery. METRO spoke to John Obert, vice president of transit sales, to find out more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
King County Metro's bus depot with Schunk Transit pantograph charging infrastructure.

Biz Briefs: King County Metro Taps Schunk Transit Systems for Charging and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Community Transit's Bluebell bus celebrating the agency's 50-year milestone.
Busby StaffMay 15, 2026

Washington's Community Transit Celebrates 50-Year Milestone

The milestone highlights both the agency’s history and its evolving role in meeting the region’s growing mobility needs.

Read More →
The groundbreaking event for St. Cloud, Minnesota's Metro Bus facility.
Busby StaffMay 13, 2026

Minnesota's Metro Bus Breaks Ground on New Transit Facility

The new facility will augment the current Metro Bus Transit Center and overall system as part of new routes and service improvements known as Metro Bus Forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Managementby StaffMay 13, 2026

NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan

The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Read More →
Mayor Tim Keller in front of an ABQ RIDE microtransit vehicle
New Mobilityby StaffMay 12, 2026

ABQ RIDE Forward's Next Phase Sets Target Date

ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.

Read More →
METRO Biz Briefs cover photo

STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover for Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon
ManagementMay 8, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →