Bill > S0632

This resolution respectfully requests the Governor, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to explore expanding public transportation services on the Providence/Stoughton Line. Specifically, the resolution seeks to increase evening commuter rail service on weekdays to the Wickford Junction area and establish a weekend schedule, which currently does not exist. The resolution highlights the importance of this line, noting it is the longest and busiest on the MBTA Commuter Rail system, currently operating 20 round trips on weekdays (with about half serving Wickford Junction) and nine weekend round trips between Boston and Providence that do not serve Wickford Junction. The resolution emphasizes the benefits of commuter rail, including reduced highway traffic, less parking congestion, and a smaller environmental footprint. The Senate is requesting that the involved parties explore these service expansions and report their findings by June 1, 2025, with the Secretary of State directed to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the relevant authorities.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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