Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) Providence Transit Center

Unique, progressive P3 model allows Next Wave Partners and RIPTA to work together in two phases to complete the new transit center

Gilbane, as Lead Member and Lead Design-Builder of Next Wave Rhode Island Partners (“Next Wave Partners”), was selected by RIPTA to begin Phase 1 of a progressive P3 to design and construct a new Providence Transit Center project.

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Bus

Next Wave Partners is a consortium comprised of Gilbane Development Company, Marsella Development, Plenary Americas, Gilbane Building Company, CUBE 3, and Jacobs

Next Wave Partners is a consortium comprised of Gilbane Development Company, Marsella Development, Plenary Americas, Gilbane Building Company, CUBE 3, and Jacobs. Envisioned to accommodate millions of trips annually and designed with future growth in mind, the new transit center will serve as RIPTA’s central bus depot and boast a state-of-the-art temperature-controlled passenger arrival and seating area, staff break areas, and amenities including multi-modal accommodations for bicyclists.

This project stands out for its innovative utilization of a progressive P3 model, enabling Next Wave Partners and RIPTA to collaboratively tackle the development of the new transit center in two phases (more typical for larger infrastructure projects). Next Wave Partners will be designing and developing the transit center alongside RIPTA and opening each stage of the process to public input.

In the first phase, Next Wave Partners and RIPTA will complete site studies and assessments, engage with the public, seek permitting and approvals, and develop conceptual designs. Following input and development of designs, Next Wave Partners will develop cost estimates and financial structuring and advising. Upon successful completion of the first phase of the project, the parties will negotiate a contract for a second phase for financing and constructing the project.

Next Wave Partners and RIPTA will also explore mixed-use transit-oriented development, such as first-floor retail and residential housing on the upper floors, offering economic development opportunities for the city.

Phase 1 of the project kicked off in February of 2024 with anticipated completion in November of 2025. A comprehensive public comment period will be launched to gather input from stakeholders regarding the designs for the new transit center, in the coming months. For more information about the project and the organizations involved, please visit RIPTA.

Project Overview

Development of RIPTA bus hub that will accommodate millions of trips annually
Progressive design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) model
Team: Gilbane Development Company, Marsella Development, Plenary Americas, Gilbane Building Company, CUBE 3, and Jacobs

“This project highlights the P3’s ability to facilitate a comprehensive process to advance essential community infrastructure projects that meet the needs and expectations of the public sector partner, the facility users, and the broader community. We look forward to collaborating with project stakeholders through a robust public process in the months ahead to bring this vision to life.”
Russell Broderick
Executive Vice President
Gilbane Development Company