Proclaiming March 18, 2026, to Be "Transit Employee Appreciation Day" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, In 2024, approximately 7.7 billion public transportation rides occurred in the United States, an estimated 7 percent increase over 2023. It is estimated that approximately eight percent of the United States population, twenty-eight million people, are public transportation dependent; and

WHEREAS, Across the United States, it is estimated that more than 400,000 hard- working Americans work in the public transportation industry. Each day they strive tirelessly to ensure that their riders are picked up and dropped off promptly at their intended destination, be it for work, doctor’s offices or any other number of destinations such as the beach in the summertime, and these fine professionals ensure that they arrive safely; and

WHEREAS, Public transportation workers secure safe rides for many passengers with disabilities, older adults, minors and students attending college. They work in all weather conditions and remained on the job during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic healthcare issues; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that every $1 billion dollars invested in American public transportation yields $5 billion dollars in additional economic impact, including the creation of 18,000 new jobs. In addition, public transportation is certainly one of the weapons that will be an essential component in the fight to mitigate global warming and its devastating impact on planet Earth; and

WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) was created in 1966, and since then it has provided public transportation services for the past years to countless Rhode Islanders. RIPTA operates seven days a week and operates 2,700 to 3,300 daily trips on more than 58 statewide-fixed bus routes. RIPTA also operates ADA Paratransit services statewide, and provides Park N Ride Service at many key locations across Rhode Island. RIPTA employs approximately 900 hard-working employees, maintains a fleet of 230 fixed-route buses with 58 to 59 fixed-bus routes, 96 paratransit buses,; and flex vans; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims March 18, 2026, to be “Transit Employee Appreciation Day” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Christopher Durand, Chief Executive Officer, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.