RIPTA Enhances Quonset Express Service to Support Electric Boat, Quonset Point Jobs and Economic Growth
Enhanced Route QX service starts Monday, June 23, 2025
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is updating Route QX (Quonset Express) to improve service efficiency, better align with workforce needs, and support job growth – all while remaining cost neutral within the agency’s existing budget.
The service enhancements will take effect on Monday, June 23, 2025, and reflect RIPTA’s ongoing commitment to connecting Rhode Islanders to employment and educational opportunities. Approximately 40% of RIPTA trips are work-related, and more than 75,000 students rely on RIPTA to travel to high school or college. Improving service to major job centers and key destinations not only supports economic development but also ensures employers have consistent access to talent.
“This updated route to Quonset Business Park will make it easier for thousands of Rhode Islanders to get to work,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “Public transit is a vital part of our state’s economy, and we are committed to delivering service that meets the needs of both workers and employers.”
In close coordination with Electric Boat, RIPTA is restructuring Route QX to better serve one of the state’s largest employers. The updated route will originate in Woonsocket, operate express to Providence, and continue to Quonset Point, providing a seamless connection that aligns with Electric Boat’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift schedules.
“This expanded service helps to provide reliable transportation for employees coming from Providence, Woonsocket, and Pawtucket,” said Brian Howard, Director of Human Resources – Quonset Point, General Dynamics and Electric Boat. “Our Quonset Point employees - especially recent high school graduates - will greatly benefit from this increase in direct service.”
“Express service from Woonsocket to Quonset will open good paying job opportunities for our residents,” said Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp. “I would like to thank RIPTA for working with the city to quickly implement this service change.”
Additionally, RIPTA is extending Route 20 (Elmwood/TF Green/NEIT) to serve the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) where Electric Boat employees will receive paid job training.
Starting June 23, the 6:15am, 7:15am, 8:15am, 11:45am and 3:15pm weekday Outbound trips will be extended to serve NEIT. The 7:08am, 8:08am 9:09am, 12:38pm and 4:04pm weekday Inbound trips from T.F. Green Airport will now start at NEIT at 7:05am, 8:05am, 9:06am and 4:01pm respectively. A weekday 12:35am Inbound trip departing from NEIT has also been added.
These improvements are designed to enhance access to jobs and improve workforce reliability for employees commuting from northern Rhode Island.
For more information on RIPTA services, passengers can call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.
