HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MARCH 18, 2026, TO BE "TRANSIT EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

H8304

2026 -- H 8304
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LC003535
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MARCH 18, 2026, TO BE "TRANSIT EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY"
IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Representatives Morales, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Cruz,
Stewart, McEntee, Shanley, Kennedy, and Ackerman

Date Introduced:
March 17, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, In 2024, approximately 7.7 billion public transportation rides occurred in
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the United States, an estimated 7 percent increase over 2023. It is estimated that approximately
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eight percent of the United States population, twenty-eight million people, are public
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transportation dependent; and
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WHEREAS, Across the United States, it is estimated that more than 400,000 hard-
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working Americans work in the public transportation industry. Each day they strive tirelessly to
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ensure that their riders are picked up and dropped off promptly at their intended destination, be it
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for work, doctor’s offices or any other number of destinations such as the beach in the
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summertime, and these fine professionals ensure that they arrive safely; and
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WHEREAS, Public transportation workers secure safe rides for many passengers with
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disabilities, older adults, minors and students attending college. They work in all weather
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conditions and remained on the job during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic healthcare
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issues; and
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WHEREAS, It is estimated that every $1 billion dollars invested in American public
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transportation yields $5 billion dollars in additional economic impact, including the creation of
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18,000 new jobs. In addition, public transportation is certainly one of the weapons that will be an
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essential component in the fight to mitigate global warming and its devastating impact on planet
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Earth; and
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WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA)

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was created in 1966, and since then it has provided public transportation services for the past 60
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years to countless Rhode Islanders. RIPTA operates seven days a week and operates 2,700 to
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3,300 daily trips on more than 58 statewide-fixed bus routes. RIPTA also operates ADA
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Paratransit services statewide, and provides Park N Ride Service at many key locations across
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Rhode Island. RIPTA employs approximately 900 hard-working employees, maintains a fleet of
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230 fixed-route buses with 58 to 59 fixed-bus routes, 96 paratransit buses, and 20 flex vans; now,
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therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims March 18, 2026, to be “Transit Employee Appreciation Day” in the State of Rhode
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Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Christopher Durand, Chief Executive Officer,
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Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.
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