The beach bus lives: McKee says RIPTA will run special routes this summer after all

Following an outcry from transit advocates and beach access activists, Gov. Dan McKee pledged on Wednesday to ensure that express buses to the beach run this summer.

“I’ve directed RIPTA to continue the express beach bus service and our teams will collaborate to make sure Rhode Islanders know about these rides,” McKee said in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday afternoon. “With costs rising due to inflation this is not a time to be discontinuing this service.”

What's behind RIPTA's decision?: Plans to get rid of nonstop bus service to South County beaches

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority had said on Tuesday that the nonstop weekend buses to the beach were being cancelled because of low ridership numbers and staffing concerns. Some activists, and the bus drivers union, questioned whether the agency had done enough to properly promote the buses and ensure that people knew it was an option.

Rhode Island Beaches 2022: Your guide to the best beaches in the state

The plans to eliminate express bus service also were criticized due to the rising price of gas and the fact that the state has a large budget surplus.

The buses typically leave from Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, North Providence, Cranston and Woonsocket and offer round-trip service to state beaches in Narragansett.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: McKee reinstates express bus service to RI beaches this summer