Doctor Mario Carreno presents Rhode Island's transportation efficiency initiative to local committee
August 28, 2025 | North Providence, School Districts, Rhode Island
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The North Providence School District is poised to enhance its transportation efficiency following a presentation by Dr. Mario Carreno from the Rhode Island Department of Education School Building Authority during the NPSD School Committee meeting on August 27, 2025. Dr. Carreno highlighted the pressing issue of rising transportation costs, which have surged by 61% over the past decade despite a significant decline in student enrollment across the state.
Dr. Carreno emphasized that Rhode Island's unique transportation model, where each district operates its own busing system, leads to inefficiencies and increased expenses. He pointed out that while Rhode Island has 25,000 fewer students than Montgomery County, Maryland, it spends $40 million more on transportation. This inefficiency is exacerbated by the fact that many buses operate below capacity, with state buses averaging only 50% full.
To address these challenges, Dr. Carreno outlined a multi-phase plan aimed at optimizing transportation routes and reducing costs. The first phase involves gathering data from districts to identify opportunities for filling empty seats on buses, potentially allowing districts to eliminate unnecessary routes. For instance, pilot programs in other districts have already demonstrated significant savings, with one district saving $100,000 by eliminating a single bus.
The cost for North Providence to participate in this review is $9,000, a relatively small investment considering the potential savings. Dr. Carreno also mentioned that the analysis could lead to long-term benefits, such as better coordination among districts and improved pricing through collective bidding.
The committee expressed interest in the proposal, recognizing the potential for substantial cost savings and improved service. As neighboring districts like Cumberland and Lincoln have already joined the initiative, North Providence's participation could further enhance regional transportation efficiency.
In conclusion, the discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of reevaluating transportation strategies within the North Providence School District. By participating in this review, the district aims to not only reduce costs but also improve the overall effectiveness of its transportation services, ultimately benefiting students and the community at large.
Dr. Carreno emphasized that Rhode Island's unique transportation model, where each district operates its own busing system, leads to inefficiencies and increased expenses. He pointed out that while Rhode Island has 25,000 fewer students than Montgomery County, Maryland, it spends $40 million more on transportation. This inefficiency is exacerbated by the fact that many buses operate below capacity, with state buses averaging only 50% full.
To address these challenges, Dr. Carreno outlined a multi-phase plan aimed at optimizing transportation routes and reducing costs. The first phase involves gathering data from districts to identify opportunities for filling empty seats on buses, potentially allowing districts to eliminate unnecessary routes. For instance, pilot programs in other districts have already demonstrated significant savings, with one district saving $100,000 by eliminating a single bus.
The cost for North Providence to participate in this review is $9,000, a relatively small investment considering the potential savings. Dr. Carreno also mentioned that the analysis could lead to long-term benefits, such as better coordination among districts and improved pricing through collective bidding.
The committee expressed interest in the proposal, recognizing the potential for substantial cost savings and improved service. As neighboring districts like Cumberland and Lincoln have already joined the initiative, North Providence's participation could further enhance regional transportation efficiency.
In conclusion, the discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of reevaluating transportation strategies within the North Providence School District. By participating in this review, the district aims to not only reduce costs but also improve the overall effectiveness of its transportation services, ultimately benefiting students and the community at large.
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