SPI Insights

Rhode Island – A potential public-private partnership (P3) is one of the delivery methods the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is considering for development of the new Dorrance Street Transit Center at the intersection of Dorrance and Dyer streets in Providence.

RIPTA released a request for expressions of interest (REOI) to gauge initial industry interest in its concept for the center, which is envisioned to be a mixed-use development that will include an enclosed intermodal transit center, parking deck, and RIPTA administrative offices, as well as an adjacent mixed-use transit-oriented development (TOD).

Initially serving 3 million transit users annually, and considering anticipated growth, the new state-of-the-art Dorrance Street Transit Center project is currently envisioned to entail over 27,000 square feet of new vertical construction for the intermodal transit center.

The facility will host an approximately 26,860 square-foot indoor intermodal facility and 36,000-square-foot first-floor bus berth space with a parking deck potentially above the bus berth. It also will feature a passenger arrival and seating area with passenger amenities, RIPTA office space, and multi-modal accommodations for bicyclists and motorists.

RIPTA is likewise interested in creating a public gathering space with an open-air terrace, as well as other amenities to serve the community at large. Additionally, the project is envisioned to include a multistory, mixed-use TOD development of approximately 51,000 square feet, with first-floor retail and residential space on the upper floors.

The TOD development will offer improved multimodal mobility for local residents and employees, while offering economic development progress for the city. The project may be implemented on a phased basis, in which case first priority (phase 1) would be assigned to the new intermodal facility.

RIPTA will host a virtual industry forum at 1 p.m. EDT June 8 to present a project overview, discuss opportunities about diverse delivery options, and respond to questions.

The deadline for REOI responses is June 20. A procurement is anticipated in September.