Bills affecting Public transit user in Rhode Island — 2026 session

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies; and provided further, the account would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

Increases and reallocates the fees collected for motor vehicle inspections, including motorcycle inspections, with an allocation of ten dollars ($10.00) to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).

Amends the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA) board composition by adding the Rhode Island Climate Community to the groups given due consideration for appointment to the board.

Enables the Rhode Island public transit authority (RIPTA) to work with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) to allow commuter rail passes to be used as dual passes for both RIPTA and MBTA.

Allows parents or guardians to have access to GPS data of the bus or other motor vehicle used to transport students to and from school.

Limits municipal minimum lot sizes for residential use to 2,500 sq ft near transit, 5,000 sq. ft with water/sewer, and 1 acre otherwise, while protecting farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and requiring zoning updates to comply.

Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 8/1/26, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority, funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies, which said sales taxes would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.