TRIP MOBILITY CHALLENGEBringing Next-Generation Mobility

to Historic Providence

The State of Rhode Island introduces The TRIP Mobility Challenge, a pilot program that will leverage highly automated vehicles, easy-access mobility platforms, and other emerging technologies to position Rhode Island at the forefront of mobility testing.

The State of Rhode Island introduces The TRIP Mobility Challenge, a pilot

program that will leverage highly automated vehicles, easy-access mobility

platforms, and other emerging technologies to position Rhode Island at

the forefront of mobility testing. Aligning with investments in smart transit

and innovation districts, the State will be seeking vendors to implement a

high-tech, sustainable mobility pilot program. This exciting initiative aims to

connect Providence’s Downtown to the Woonasquatucket River Corridor, filling

a transportation gap in an area of burgeoning development.

THE CHALLENGE Despite a growing population and new development, the Woonasquatucket River Corridor remains geographically disconnected from Downtown and

lacks the transit connectivity needed to help the area grow as an innovation district. The TRIP Mobility Challenge (Challenge) invites private vendors

to provide a high-tech mobility solution in the form of innovative transit assets like autonomous shuttle buses.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Rhode Island Transportation Innovation Partnership (TRIP), a collaboration of state and local partners led by the Rhode Island Department of

Transportation (RIDOT), intends to establish a pilot program to test automated, multi-passenger vehicles to serve Providence’s urban core.

A request for proposals (RFP) will be issued soon.

The associated strategies of the TRIP Autonomous Vehicle Mobility Challenge are to:

• Introduce low or zero emission connected and highly automated vehicle (CAV) technology to Rhode Island’s capital city in a way that provides a

safe and accessible environment for Rhode Islanders to experience the new mobility service;

• Provide first/last mile linkages with other existing transportation modes and points of interest;

• Provide a sustainable and equitable mobility solution;

• Open and create new economic opportunities across skill levels, including training for new career pathways that will help offset any disruptions

from new technologies and foster new investments in the Corridor;

• Accelerate adoption of CAV and other innovations in Rhode Island;

• Evaluate and demonstrate, via qualitative surveys and quantitative data, the performance of the pilot; and

• Gauge public user acceptance of and experience with using the new technologies and pilot system.

WHY PROVIDENCE? A VIBRANT PAST, A BRIGHT FUTUREProvidence’s Woonasquatucket River Corridor links densely populated, historic neighborhoods with rich histories as early innovators in transit

technology. Beginning in the 18th century, this area emerged as a national leader in American manufacturing. Residential development followed the

creation of new mills bolstered by innovations in transportation. In the late 19th century, Olneyville was home to one of the first cable tramways in

New England. After World War II, as industry left and factories shut down, the Corridor experienced a decline and populations dwindled. Today, the

area has once again emerged as a leader—this time as the center of a flourishing Arts and Innovation District. An infusion of investments focused

on placemaking, transportation, housing, the arts, and other opportunities have invigorated the economy and enriched the neighborhoods along the

Woonasquatucket River. These efforts are part of Providence’s Urban Innovation and Smart City strategies which aim to make the City an open canvas

for experimentation. Significant private and public investment will continue to transform the landscape of these neighborhoods– through innovative

projects like the $400M replacement of the 6-10 Connector (a local highway) and the $6M extension of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway.

The map above highlights several of the Woonasquatucket River Corridor’s points of interest, which may serve as excellent nodes of opportunity and connectivity for an automated transit service.

The TRIP Mobility Challenge will further accelerate the transformation of the Woonasquatucket River Corridor by introducing next-generation mobility

services to this area, bridging access to multimodal transportation options including the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak service at Providence

Station. This challenge will also enhance connectivity to other parts of the city, including Downtown Providence, a major hub for commerce,

employment, entertainment, education, and transit connectivity.

The Challenge presents a unique opportunity to test and expose the capabilities of emerging transit technologies in a city with complex infrastructure,

unique transportation needs, and an historic past. The TRIP Mobility Challenge is about improving transit and integrating innovative new technologies

safely with the City’s historic culture. This is an opportunity to take part in the evolution of a city with a bright future by reconnecting some of

Providence’s most important neighborhoods and reestablishing the links made by streetcars of the past.

Additional details can be found at: www.ridot.net/TRIP