By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

Scott Avedisian ends speculation about his future following his arrest last month in a hit-and-run rear-end crash at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Warwick. Avedisian submitted a very detailed, two page letter of resignation to Governor Dan McKee.

“It has been a distinct honor and pleasure for me to work with the dedicated RIPTA staff,” Avedisian wrote in the two-page letter dated today. “Day in and day out they help move a million passengers a month to connect with school, work and life.”

In the letter, he reviews a series of improvements to the bus line during his six-year tenure, including an electric bus charging station, downtown transit connector, new bus maintenance center, seasonal hop-on, hop-off service in Newport, and the Pawtucket – Central Falls transit center, along with becoming current with RIPTA’s pension obligations.

“Regrettably, all of these initiatives are now being overshadowed by recent events. I regret that the good work of the employees is being detracted by my actions. Therefore, I respectfully submit my resignation and ask that the Board of Directors terminate my contract,” he wrote.

“Finally, many thanks for the years of friendship that we have enjoyed. I wish you all the best,” Avedisian signed off.

Avedisian has reportedly been negotiating his separation from the job over the last few days, and the RIPTA board is expected to meet again next week to finalize the as-yet undisclosed deal.

Avedisian’s contract was extended in 2023 for two years, at an annual salary of $181,796.