Call for RIPTA – RIDOT merger, leadership change
Late on Friday, RI Senate President Dominick Ruggerio called for the immediate resignation of former Warwick mayor and RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Scott Avedisian – and the placement of the bus transportation company to now fall under the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, headed by Pet er Alviti. Within a short time, a statement from RIPTA from Avedisian was received. Avedisian has served in his role since 2018 after 18 years as Warwick Mayor. Avedisian reports to the RIPTA board of directors chaired by Normand Benoit. Pet er Alviti serves ex-officio as a member of that board. Patrick Crowley, Secretary-Treasurer of Rhode Island AFL-CIO, and a member of the RIPTA board tweeted that he supported Ruggerio’s call and for the Senate to hold oversight hearings. Some upcoming initiatives involving RIPTA are creation of the Pawtucket Central Falls Train Station Bus Hub facility (with waiting areas, rest rooms, facilities for drivers and covered bus areas ...