The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority authorized a reduction Tuesday in the frequency of bus service on 13 routes, according to an article in yesterday's Providence Journal.
The changes, effective Nov. 1, will save $548,000 annually. The most recent cuts are the latest in a slew of reductions that have reduced the original RIPTA budget deficit of $4.6 million to $1.9 million.
To close the entire budget gap, "you would have to eliminate over 50 jobs," RIPTA Board Chairman Thomas Deller told the Journal.
A large portion of RIPTA's funding comes from the gas tax, which has generated less revenue in recent years. This decrease, along with spending beyond RIPTA's appropriated funds, have fueled the current deficit.
If RIPTA fails to close the gap within the next few months, further service reductions are likely to take place this winter.
"Next year, the problem's going to be worse," Michael Lewis, director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, told the Journal. Legislation before Congress could result in significant reductions in federal funding for public transit in the state.
