RIPTA considers shortening trolley route

PROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority is considering dropping part of a downtown Providence trolley route to save money.

RIPTA says the section of Route 91 Gold Line that loops around the State House could be eliminated, saving the agency about $250,000 a year. 

RIPTA General Manager Alfred Moscola said the section of the route has very low ridership.

RIPTA is considering a broader plan to eliminate or reduce service on 160 bus routes to save about $10 million.  The agency has a deficit of about $12 million.

RIPTA depends on funding from the gasoline tax. But with people driving less and taking the bus more, the tax is generating less money for the bus agency.