Partnership transforms bus shelters into vibrant community spaces while improving the rider experience
Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA)
IPTA and the City of Providence celebrated the unveiling of two newly transformed bus shelters featuring original public artwork by Rhode Island artist Greg Pennisten. The project demonstrates how partnerships can enhance public spaces, improve the rider experience, and celebrate the unique character of Providence neighborhoods.
The initiative began when Councilor Shelley Peterson proposed incorporating public art into two existing RIPTA bus shelters in Ward 14 and committed Neighborhood Improvement Funds to bring the vision to life. Working together, RIPTA, Councilor Peterson, and the Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) developed a public art initiative designed to create more welcoming transit spaces while deterring graffiti and vandalism.
“Public transportation connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunity, and our bus shelters are an important part of that experience,” said Christopher Durand, Chief Executive Officer of RIPTA. “By partnering with the City of Providence, we’ve transformed these shelters into welcoming community spaces that riders can enjoy while showcasing the creativity and pride that make Providence unique.”
To identify an artist, RIPTA and ACT issued a public call for artists with an emphasis on creating artwork that reflects and connects with the surrounding community. Councilor Peterson allocated $10,000 in Neighborhood Improvement Funds to support the project. Three semifinalists each received a $300 honorarium for their design proposals, and the remaining $9,100 was awarded to the selected artist to cover design, materials, equipment, installation, and artist fees.
Following a competitive selection process, Greg Pennisten was selected in March 2026. Installation of the artwork at both shelters was completed in June 2026.
“Public art brings creativity and character into the places Providence neighbors experience every day,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “Greg Pennisten’s artwork celebrates the Wanskuck neighborhood while transforming the bus shelter into a vibrant, welcoming community space. I am grateful to RIPTA, the Providence Department of Art Culture and Tourism, and Councilor Peterson for helping to bring this exciting project to life.”
“Public art made by local artists like Greg is such a great opportunity for civic leaders to not only invest in our communities, but to make art accessible and available to everyone,” said Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14). “I am thankful to Greg and his vision, and I hope to see more of these murals pop up throughout the city.”
The shelters, located at 901 Douglas Avenue (Douglas before River, Stop ID #020180) and 787 Admiral Street (Admiral after Sharon, Stop ID #020020), have been transformed with artwork celebrating the rich history and unique character of Providence’s Wanskuck neighborhood. The murals blend historic imagery with familiar elements of the contemporary urban landscape. The artwork features illustrations of late 19th-century clothing, representing the woven wool textiles that were likely produced at the historic Wanskuck Mill, as well as modern-era community flyers. By combining historical references with everyday urban ephemera, the murals create a visual connection between the neighborhood’s past and present.
Wayfinding is also an integral part of the design. Each shelter prominently features the name of its street using hand-cut letters and found paper, transforming the bus shelter into both a public work of art and a functional landmark that helps riders and visitors navigate the neighborhood.
The Douglas before River stop is served by Route 55 (Admiral/Providence College) while the Admiral after Sharon stop is served by Route 50 (Douglas Ave./Bryant University).
This collaborative effort reflects RIPTA’s continued commitment to improving the rider experience while strengthening partnerships that create vibrant, safe, and welcoming public spaces.
About RIPTA
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation services throughout Rhode Island. Established in 1966, RIPTA connects thousands of Rhode Islanders each day to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services statewide through fixed-route, paratransit, and Flex service. For more information, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400.
Photo (left to right): RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand, Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley, artist Gregory Pennisten, Rebecca Noon, Deputy Director of Art, Culture and Tourism for the City of Providence, and Providence Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14), stand in front of a newly installed public art bus shelter on Admiral Street.
Partnership transforms bus shelters into vibrant community spaces while improving the rider experience
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation services throughout Rhode Island. Established in 1966, RIPTA connects thousands of Rhode Islanders each day to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services statewide through fixed-route, paratransit, and Flex service. For more information, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400.