By Bruce Landis
PROVIDENCE -- A large international company whose interests include operating transit systems has proposed taking over the management of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, according to state officials.
Veolia Transportation Services has also made preparations to influence both the state administration and the General Assembly, hiring five lobbyists to do the job, according to state records.
Company representatives met with Governor Chafee in the last week, his press secretary, Christine Hunsinger, said. The discussion concerned the company possibly taking over the operation of the transit authority. The governor, she said, was noncommittal.