MOVE RI FORWARD Coalition
Coalition Members
As of 8/22/14
What is it?
AFL-CIO of Rhode Island
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 618
Capital Properties
Coalition for Transportation Choices
Construction Industries of RI
Downtown Improvement District
Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy
Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce
Grow Smart RI
Pare Corporation
ProsperityforRI.com
Providence Foundation
Providential Gardener
RI Association of Railroad Passengers
RIPTA Riders Alliance
Working Group
Dan Baudouin
John Flaherty
Paul Harrington
Joelle Kanter
Kayla Luongo
Chris Marsella
Todd Turcotte
Scott Wolf
Cliff Wood
Revised 8/22/2014
The Move RI Forward Coalition is a partnership among
private sector, advocacy and community organizations to
educate citizens about the benefits of the $35M Transit
Infrastructure Bond Referendum and to advance its passage.
Passage of the bond would help to fund enhancements and
renovations to mass transit hub infrastructure throughout
Rhode Island improving mobility and access to job centers
with greater efficiency and convenience.
What we stand for
A modern transit system is good for our economy and will
help to grow jobs. Nationally and in Rhode Island, a 21st
century mass transit system is becoming increasingly
important to the economic prosperity of metropolitan areas,
particularly among Gen Y and Millennials who are about to
dominate the workforce.
Rhode Island needs to expand the capacity and the
convenience of its transit system. Ridership growth on
RIPTA now ranks 7th fastest among large bus agencies in the
U.S. The transit improvement proposal represents an
opportunity to meet the growing demand for public
transportation, provide improved passenger facilities and
establish seamless connections with MBTA commuter and
Amtrak interstate rail service.
A more convenient and efficient mass transit system
reduces traffic congestion and pollution. While some of us
ride it, we all need it. Increased use of mass transit reduces
traffic and resulting auto emissions. The transportation
sector is currently the largest and fastest growing
contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Rhode Island.
Mass Transit Hub Infrastructure Bond Project Proposal
Passage of Question 6 would allow the state to continue to build upon investments already made and
underway in modernizing Rhode Island’s transportation system and better positioning the state to compete
in a global economy. Specifically, it presents an opportunity for the Rhode Island Department of
Transportation (RIDOT) to work with its partners to improve public transit and connectivity with other
travel services across the state and throughout the region – while opening the door to private investment.
RIDOT and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority have developed a plan to reimagine public
transportation in Rhode Island, moving away from the current single “hub” model and creating a more
robust system with direct, rapid connections to employment, educational, and social centers – as well as
improved connections with rail and air. This new 21st century system would transform how transit moves
through the capital city and connects with the furthest reaches of the state; it would include two new mass
transit centers at the Providence Train Station and the emerging LINK district, enhanced commuter rail
service, rapid bus lines, improved service frequency on popular corridors, added express options and park
and ride locations throughout the state, and enhanced passenger amenities.
This new vision for travel in Rhode Island would benefit not only the system’s current users but also attract
a new generation of users who value transportation choice and convenience. Ultimately, reliable
transportation and livable, walkable communities are needs that all Rhode Islanders can relate to; our
families, our industries, and our economy depend on them.
As with the revitalization of the Providence waterfront in the 1980s and the addition of a state-of-the-art
transportation center at the Warwick Interlink and the Newport Gateway Center, we have the opportunity
now to welcome the next phase of development that will support this larger vision for travel in Rhode
Island while fostering economic growth, public/private partnership, and innovation; just as similar
transportation investments have across the country. To improve Rhode Island’s tomorrows, we must invest
today.
Coalition Organization
Working Group: The Move RI Forward Coalition Working Group devotes significant time and resources to
the campaign and guides its strategy and execution. Membership in the Working Group is tied to time and
resource commitments and is at the invitation of the existing working group. The Working Group will
designate campaign spokespersons.
Stakeholders Committee: Throughout the 10-week campaign, the broader coalition membership will be
convened for briefings, feedback and to leverage member and constituent support within their respective
networks.
Get Involved
Interested in being part of the campaign? MRIF Coalition members include organizations that support and
subscribe to the above vision and principles. To add your organization’s name to the coalition, simply send
an email to [email protected] indicating your organization’s agreement with the coalition’s
principles and your desire to be listed as a member.
For more information about the MRIF Coalition, contact John Flaherty (401.273.5711 Ext. 5) or
[email protected].
Revised 8/22/2014