Rhode Island DOT to run Wickford Junction rail station

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has taken over operations and maintenance of the Wickford Junction commuter-rail station in North Kingston, the agency announced yesterday.

The move will save the state about $3.4 million over 10 years, RIDOT officials said in a press release. WJ Management LLC had been managing the station, which opened in  2012.

"RIDOT is quickly putting its house back in order at the speed of business," said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. "At Wickford Junction, we are reducing the cost of operations and using the savings to provide better transit service to the citizens of Rhode Island."

Rhode Island is the second-most densely populated state in the country, yet its transit use is well below the national average, according to RIDOT.

Wickford Junction serves South County, R.I. Through an agreement with RIDOT, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains offer 10 round trips on weekdays.