April 29, 2021 9:02 am (Photo Courtesy of Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) / Facebook) PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – New legislation is being proposed by two state lawmakers that aims to provide free transportation on RIPTA buses for Rhode Island residents. Sen. Meghan Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence) and Rep. Leonela “Leo” Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket) unveiled the legislation during a press conference Wednesday at Kennedy Plaza in Providence. Sen. Kallman said the plan also sets up the funding structure to support the initiative financially which is to replace revenue from bus fares with taxes on gasoline and carbon. “Public transportation cuts across so many issues,” said Senator Kallman. “It’s a climate and environment issue. It’s a neighborhood and quality-of-life issue. It’s an economic issue. When we acknowledge this critical link between public transit, job access and social equity, the need for this legislation becomes obvious. Good public transit is a cornerstone of both climate readiness and social justice.”