Given that the plaza s buses, operated by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, are heavily used by riders of color, opponents have found the plan all the more troubling. Keys called the situation deplorable. They removed Providence Plantations from the name, but they’re still treating us like we’re in the plantation, said Keys. I think that’s the best way to say it.
Jairson Ascencao, a rider who showed up to the rally, took the megaphone once the marching was through to deliver a candid message about what he described as an effort to shoo away the city s homeless and poor.