Jef NickersonSecretary of Transportation Ray LaHood visited Providence today to learn more about the Metro Transit Study.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the forum held during his visit (anyone who did, please feel free to share you impressions in the comments). It is certainly good to get the Administration up here to listen to our plans.
From Providence City News:
“I’m pleased that Secretary LaHood has taken a keen interest in our comprehensive proposal for a robust public transportation system for the Providence metropolitan area,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline. “Secretary LaHood and President Obama’s administration recognize that expanded, modern transit systems are absolutely essential to job creation and the long-term health and prosperity of our nation’s cities.”
“I appreciate the Mayor’s commitment to a modern, comprehensive transportation strategy as a critical component of Rhode Island’s economic future,” said Secretary LaHood.
Secretary LaHood and representatives from the Congressional delegation were taken on a trolley tour of various sites throughout the city including a potential streetcar route, new transit hubs currently under construction by RIPTA and a new rapid transit service scheduled to be launched in the fall that will connect two major bus routes (Broad Street and North Main/Pawtucket) creating a more pleasing and convenient experience for commuters.
Greater City Providence
If I’m not mistaken, the streetcar should be entering it’s construction phase within a few months.
I know they nailed the financing down and they’ve determined routes. I did suggest to the Mayor that they drop a line into Broadway and Olneyville at first opportunity.
@Tony P: The streetcar has to go through a feasibility study first so it can qualify for New Starts funding. The Projo article this morning said that just got underway and will take a year to complete.
I was there, and I thought the speakers were very clear about their messages, and generally I thought they did a good job. What I cant help but compliment though was the production quality! The Pepsi Forum at Johnson and Wales looked spectacular, and even with all of those microphones the sound quality was astounding! I just don’t think the Production Assistants at Johnson and Wales can possibly get enough thanks from the federal, state, and local governments
ProJo article on the Secretary’s visit.
Re: The Projo article.
Someone tell me how we managed to “miss the deadline” for stimulus funds for this project. Hasn’t this been in the works, or at least talked about, since long before then?