PROVIDENCE, RI - Members of Rhode Island's Congressional delegation today joined with officials at the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to announce plans for $4.2 million in new federal funding to upgrade technology and safety features across RIPTA's mass transit system.

This funding will allow RIPTA to implement advanced data capabilities so that public transit may be integrated into a seamless digital emergency communications system and the Rhode Island Statewide Communications Network (RISCON) system. It will also help RIPTA achieve considerable costs savings. Retiring the old analog system and investing in new technology will enable RIPTA to save $19,000 per month in maintenance costs. RIPTA also plans to use the funding to purchase portable communication devices that are part of the network.

"With more Rhode Islanders depending on RIPTA to commute to work and travel around the state, this federal aid will help improve RIPTA's services and upgrade its communication network," said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriation Committee. "This is a smart investment that will save money in the long run and enhance public safety by bolstering RIPTA's communication system."

"The safer and more secure we can make our public transportation, the more inclined people will be to utilize this great public resource," said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "Public transportation increases access to our cities and towns and cuts down on our state's energy consumption, two goals this funding will help us achieve."

"With the recent floods, we witnessed how disruptive an interruption to our transportation infrastructure can be. This funding is critical to keeping Rhode Island's traveling public safe," said Representative Patrick Kennedy.

"I am pleased that RIPTA will use this funding to replace their mobile radios and join the statewide communication network, ensuring that they can communicate easily and efficiently with each other as well as state emergency management officials," said Representative Jim Langevin.

"This grant provides crucial funding for the integration into the Rhode Island Statewide Communication Network, which allows RIPTA to contribute to a statewide radio system that allows for expanded interoperability between all cities, town, state agencies and police and fire services for both voice and data communications," said RIPTA Board Chairman John Rupp.

The State's RISCON program is designed to give both voice and data communications, in an interoperable format, to first responders, emergency service personnel, and other state agencies. The RISCON project is under the authority of the Interoperable Communications Committee (ICC) and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA).

Improving interoperable communications has been an ongoing priority for RIPTA's security and emergency response plans. This funding will allow RIPTA to upgrade its communications equipment and integrate with the state system.

This federal funding was provided under the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) in Fiscal Year 2010.