About Us

 
 

 

 

 


The Rhode Island Association of Railroad Passengers (RIARP) was formed in 1972 by a group of Rhode Island citizens concerned about the future of passenger service in Rhode Island. RIARP is an all volunteer organization.

 

In prior decades, commuter and intercity rail services were declining and public transportation policy had yet to recognize passenger rail service's future potential. Amtrak (the National Railroad Passenger Corporation), founded in 1971, was in its infancy. Local citizens came together to affect change. Rail ridership has significantly grown in the state and around the nation since that era.

 

RIARP is loosely affiliated with the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP). RIARP has about 60 members; NARP has about 24,000 members.