Order 25598 - Christopher Okafor: Authority to Operate as a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Provider

DECISION AND ORDER

Hearing Officer:         Nicole M. Corbin, Esq.

Hearing Held:             February 4, 2026

Appearances:               Christopher Okafor, Applicant, pro se          

I.              INTRODUCTION

II.           JURISDICTION

III.        DISCUSSION

R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.3-3 requires that an applicant be fit, willing, and able to provide services in the transportation of passengers to obtain a certificate of operating authority from the Division.

Mr. Christopher Okafor appeared at the hearing and testified on his behalf. He shared that he first began providing transportation services over thirty years ago in New York while in college to pay for tuition. When he came to Rhode Island, he began working for City Cab as a driver. He explained that he is familiar with the regulations and routes in Rhode Island due to this experience. Mr. Okafor previously applied for a taxicab certificate of operating authority from the Division, though it was not granted and he decided not to pursue that venture as he moved to Massachusetts.

Mr. Okafor stated that he has been operating KIK Transportation in Massachusetts, providing NEMT services, for the last five years. He is a driver for the company and employs two other drivers. Mr. Okafor shared that he has high standards for hiring drivers and ensures that his drivers complete background checks and have proper credentials. He operates three vehicles to provide NEMT services, which include a 2019 Honda Pilot, a 2024 Honda Pilot, and a 2023 Toyota Sienna.

Mr. Okafor is now seeking to contract with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to become an approved transportation provider for RIPTA’s RIDE program. Mr. Okafor explained that RIPTA is requiring that he obtain a NEMT certificate of authority from the Division. He presented a letter from Peggy Mazzoncini, Billing and Compliance Coordinator, of RIPTA confirming that he will be eligible for consideration as a potential service provider once all requisite certifications are obtained. Mr. Okafor also stated that he holds a valid Blue Card from the Division.

A review of Mr. Okafor’s Background Criminal Investigation (“BCI”) check indicates no Rhode Island criminal convictions. Likewise, Mr. Okafor’s Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (“CORI”) check contains no Massachusetts criminal convictions. The CORI check does indicate that Mr. Okafor was charged with two misdemeanor traffic offenses in 2021. When questioned about these charges, Mr. Okafor was forthcoming in his responses and stated that these charges resulted from a motor vehicle accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike. He explained that while driving home from work, traffic was slowing down due to construction and police presence when two motorcycles operating between lanes caused a multi-vehicle accident. Given that these charges did not result in a conviction, the Division does not consider these charges in assessing the Applicant’s fitness to operate as a NEMT provider.

In closing, Mr. Okafor stated that he is familiar with the requirements and heightened responsibilities of NEMT drivers because he has been providing these services in Massachusetts. Mr. Okafor also noted that he understands the importance of safety and customer service in this industry.

IV.        FINDINGS OF FACT

1.      On or about January 20, 2026, the Applicant filed an application with the Division seeking a certificate of operating authority to operate as an NEMT service provider pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-14.3 et seq.

2.      A hearing was held on February 4, 2026, in the Division’s offices located at 89 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. The Applicant was not represented by counsel.

3.      Mr. Okafor holds a valid Blue Card from the Division.

4.      Mr. Okafor has been operating KIK Transportation and providing NEMT services in Massachusetts for five years.

5.      Mr. Okafor has over thirty years of experience providing transportation services.

6.      Mr. Okafor operates three vehicles to provide NEMT services, which include a 2019 Honda Pilot, a 2024 Honda Pilot, and a 2023 Toyota Sienna.

7.      Mr. Okafor is seeking to contract with the RIPTA to become an approved transportation provider for RIPTA’s RIDE program.

8.      Mr. Okafor’s Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information check contains no Massachusetts criminal convictions or any other information that would adversely impact the Applicant’s ability to provide NEMT services under the requested certificate of operating authority.

9.      Mr. Okafor’s Background Criminal Investigation check contains no Rhode Island criminal convictions or any other information that would adversely affect his ability to provide NEMT services under the requested certificate of operating authority.

V.           CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

After a careful review of the record in this proceeding, the Division finds that the Applicant has met the burden of proving that it is fit, willing, and able to provide the requested transportation services.

Accordingly, it is

1.      The application of Christopher Okafor, 27 Maddie Drive, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02745, seeking authority to operate as an NEMT service provider within the State of Rhode Island is approved.

2.      Within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the effective date of this Report and Order, and before commencing operations within the State of Rhode Island, the Applicant must accomplish the following: 

a.       The Applicant must hand deliver to the Division proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance) that conforms to the minimum insurance requirements set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.3-8.

b.      The Applicant must register the vehicle(s) it intends to operate under its NEMT Certificate of Operating Authority with the Motor Carrier Section of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. Each vehicle must be appropriately marked in accordance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.3-6.

c.       The Applicant is reminded that it is responsible for ensuring that all its drivers obtain a valid “Blue Card” (Hackney Operator’s Permit) from the Motor Carrier Section of the Division. 

d.      In addition, the Applicant is reminded that it must comply with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.3-5, which confers upon the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles jurisdiction over the lighting, equipment, safety, and sanitary conditions of all public motor vehicles. An inspection by the Division of Motor Vehicles is required before these vehicles may be operated within Rhode Island.

3.      If the conditions set forth in paragraph 2, above, are not met within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days from the issuance date of this Decision and Order, the approval granted herein will be of no further force and effect.

SIGNED AND EFFECTIVE, THIS 9th day of February 2026.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF JUDICIAL REVIEW

(PROVIDED PURSUANT TO R.I.G.L. § 42-35-12)

Please be advised that if you are aggrieved by this final decision (report and order) of the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (“Division”) you may seek judicial review of the Division’s final decision by filing an appeal with the Rhode Island Superior Court.  You have thirty (30) days from the mailing date (or hand delivery date) of the Division’s final decision to file your appeal.  The procedures for filing the appeal are set forth in Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-35-15.

Proceedings for review may be instituted by filing a complaint in the Superior Court of Providence or Kent Counties.  Copies of the complaint must be served upon the Division and all other parties of record in your case.  You must serve copies of the complaint within ten (10) days after your complaint is filed with the Superior Court.

Please be advised that the filing of a complaint (appeal) with the Superior Court does not itself stay enforcement of the Division’s final decision. You may, however, seek a stay from the Division and/or from the Court.

The judicial review shall be conducted by the Superior Court without a jury and shall be confined to the record.  The Court, upon request, shall hear oral argument and receive written briefs.