This bill addresses the proposed relocation of the Providence bus hub, which has faced significant opposition from Rhode Islanders who rely on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). The bill highlights concerns regarding the financial implications of the relocation project, which is estimated to cost between $200 million and $250 million, a sum that RIPTA is unlikely to afford given its current financial difficulties. The bill emphasizes the risks associated with contracts that guarantee profit margins without a maximum price, and it calls for RIPTA to terminate its existing Preliminary Services Agreement with a vendor to ensure that future contracts better protect taxpayer interests.

To safeguard against the misuse of state funds, the bill amends Section 39-18-10 of the General Laws, establishing that no proceeds from trust funds or state appropriations can be used for any work related to the "transit center joint development project" RFP or the Preliminary Services Agreement after September 1, 2025. This amendment aims to prevent the allocation of state resources to a project that may not serve the best interests of the public and to ensure that any future work is conducted under more favorable terms for taxpayers and riders. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6096: 39-18-10