If you are a passenger with a disability but are still able to use a fixed-route bus and you are also low income, you may qualify for assistance under RIPTA’s Reduced Fare Bus Pass Program for Low-Income Seniors and People with Disabilities. Passengers who qualify for this program are currently able to ride for free. Please click here for more information.
Paratransit Eligibility Application
Online ADA Paratransit Eligibility Application
RIde Paratransit Program
The RIde Paratransit Program is a complementary ADA paratransit service that provides transportation for people with disabilities who are traveling within ¾-mile of a fixed bus route and cannot independently take the bus or travel to and from a bus stop.
RIPTA charges $4.00 per one-way paratransit trip; this is two times the standard fixed-route fare as authorized by the ADA and helps defray the cost of this paratransit service.
The RIde Paratransit Program provides door to door service and requires advance reservations. Under federal regulations, ADA Paratransit Service must operate within a 3/4-mile corridor on either side of a fixed route. ADA service operates during the same hours that the fixed route bus runs. All ADA trips must start and end in the corridor.
Click here to learn more about RIde paratransit service and to fill out an application.
Paratransit Fare
RIde paratransit service requires a $4.00 fare for each one-way trip. Passengers have the option of paying their fare with cash (exact change only), paper RIde passes or with Wave – RIPTA’s smart fare collection system.
RIde passes are available for purchase online here or at Stop & Shop.
Paying with Wave
To start using Wave, RIde passengers can purchase a Wave card at a participating retail location (a $5 activation fee applies) or download the Wave mobile app at no cost. After obtaining a Wave card or downloading the app, passengers should call RIde at 401-461-9760 to connect their Wave account number with their RIde account. Once linked, passengers can easily add funds and manage their Wave account from their phone or computer. When requesting a trip, RIde passengers should inform the RIde Customer Service Agent that they will be paying with Wave.
For more information on Wave, passengers can visit RIPTA.com/Wave.
The Earn As You Go feature does not apply to RIde. Please note that Reduced Fare Photo ID Wave cards cannot be used for RIde service.
If you are traveling with a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), the PCA will not be charged a fare. Please have the exact fare amount ready to present to the driver. Drivers cannot make change for larger bills.
Helpful Links
Accessibility Overview
Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC)
ADA Users Guide
ADA Application
Paratransit Eligibility Appeal Process and Form
ADA Service Area Map
This is an interactive web map showing RIPTA’s paratransit service area. The legend on the bottom right can be used to toggle maps on and off for weekday, Saturday, and Sunday service areas. Use the search function in the top right corner to find out if your address or your destination falls within the service area.
This map does not account for different spans of service on different routes throughout each day. For the most accurate trip planning, or if you have difficulty using this map, please call RIPTA Paratransit for assistance at (401) 461-9760.
How to Schedule Trips
Trip Scheduling
ADA trips can be scheduled for any purpose as late as the day before you want to travel. Standing Orders, which are trips that occur on a daily or weekly basis such as trips to work or school, may be scheduled once.
Reserving Your Ride
To make a reservation, call (401) 461-9760 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday. Reservations may be placed on Sunday by leaving a detailed voicemail message between 8:30am and 4:30pm. The Ride office is closed on RIPTA recognized holidays.
In order to make a reservation, you should have the following information:
- The date you want to travel.
- Your starting address – where you want to get on or board the van. Please have the exact street address including zip code.
- Your destination address – where you want to get off the van. Please have the exact street address including zip code.
- The time you need to arrive at your destination and the time you need to return.
RIde is a shared ride service so your trip time may not be scheduled at the exact time you request. A RIde Customer Service Agent will work with you to find a time that works. You may need to call back later to find out the time your trip is scheduled.
Same Day Rides
Sorry, we are not able to provide same day rides. All rides must be reserved in advance.
Getting Ready
The RIde Customer Service Agent will give you a scheduled pick-up window. This is not an exact pick-up time. You must be ready to be picked up at any time within the scheduled window. Please do not call the office to check on your ride during this 20-minute period. All of our vans display the RIde logo. Sometimes RIde trips are served by taxicabs. Watch for the van or cab and please be ready to go and be visible to the driver.
Driver Wait Time
To avoid delaying other passengers, drivers can only wait 5 minutes for you. Please be ready to leave when your driver arrives.
How to Access the RIde Program Mobile Application
Open the Google Play Store or Apple store, search RIde Reveal, and then select ‘Get’ or ‘Install.’
The free app provides:
• Pinch to zoom features
• High contrast view
• Compatibility with most commonly used screen reader software
• Expected vehicle type (taxi or van)
• Expected customer fare
You will need the following information to log into the new app:
Agency Code: RIPTA Customer Number: (If you do not know your customer number, please ask a RIde CSA)
Password: (Defaults to 4 digit year of birth)
Once the app has been installed, you can change the password, or reset it should you forget it. In order to reset your password, you must have a Text Notification Number set up in the RIde computer system. Please inform a CSA if you would like to add a Text Notification Number to your customer profile.
If you have any issues, please contact RIde either via email (ride@ripta.com) or by calling customer service at 401-461-9760.
For RIde Information call:
(401) 461-9760
More Things You Need to Know About Using RIde
Shared Ride
RIde is a public transportation service. While taxis may serve some trips under certain circumstances, RIde vans provide most trips and other passengers are likely to be on board during your trip. Your scheduled pick-up times or travel route may be altered so that another passenger can be accommodated. The van may stop and pick up other riders as it travels to your destination. Shared rides lower the cost of paratransit service. RIde schedulers may ask you to accept trip reservation times that are different from your original requested pick-up time, and your reservation time may be changed so that more passengers may be served.
Taxicabs
Some RIde trips are served by taxicabs when the need arises. The same fares apply to RIde trips served by cabs. Cabs cannot be requested.
Cancellations
You must notify us of your cancellation as soon as possible and at least two hours before your scheduled pick-up time so that our vans will be free to pick up other passengers.
Cancellations not made in this way will be treated as “no-shows”. RIde reserves the right to suspend service for a reasonable period of time for riders who exhibit a pattern or practice of missing trips.
Delays
Traffic, weather, or other delays may sometimes result in a late pick-up that is unavoidable. Please wait until the end of the 20-minute window before calling us to ask about your ride. We will make every effort to pick you up on time.
Passenger Assistance
All RIde service is door-to-door, as needed. Drivers are trained to assist you and are sensitive to your needs. However, drivers do not enter homes and do not go beyond the main lobby of a building. Drivers are also not allowed to lift passengers or mobility devices up and down stairs. Passengers must make other arrangements for assistance in these cases. Drivers also are not allowed to carry grocery bags or other packages.
Safety
For your safety and the safety of others, you must use a seatbelt at all times. If you need assistance, please ask your driver. If you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, your driver will secure the device using a four-point system and you must use a lap and shoulder belt in addition to any belts you may have on your mobility device. In the event of an emergency, follow the directions of your driver.
Snow and Ice
If there is a winter storm or other emergency, please watch for media announcements regarding RIde Service. Be sure that your entryway and walkways are clear of ice and snow. This will make it safer for our vehicles and drivers to get to you. Severe Weather Policy.
Tipping
Please do not offer tips to drivers. Drivers are not allowed to accept tips or gifts.
Shopping Bags
The number of shopping bags/carry-ons is limited to what the passenger can carry on the van in a single trip. Drivers are not permitted to carry your bags.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome on the van. When you are reserving a trip, please let the RIde Customer Service Agent (CSA) know if you will be traveling with a service animal.
Traveling with Respirators and Portable Oxygen Supplies
Riders who use respirators and portable oxygen supplies are permitted to board vehicles with their items in accordance with applicable Department of Transportation rules on the transportation of hazardous materials. You must handle your own personal equipment.
Courtesy
As a courtesy to others, smoking, eating, drinking, and radio playing are not allowed on the van.
Policies
Request for Reasonable Modification Document
RIPTA ADA Customer Conduct Policy
Severe Weather Cancellation Policy
Complaint Policy and Procedures
RIPTA ADA Customer Conduct Policy
Severe Weather Cancellation Policy
Personal Medical Respirator, Concentrator and Oxygen Policy
Questions, Comments, Complaints?
How are we doing? We would like to know what you think about our service. Questions, comments, or complaints may be sent to the address below or you can call the RIde administrative office at (401) 461-8130, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm.
Customer Service
The RIde Program
705 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
If you have a complaint or comment about service, please have the date and time of the event and the van number or driver name when you call.
Eligibility For RIPTA’s Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Services Regulations