Transportation Funding Support for Low-Income Riders

Does your organization support low-income clients who are experiencing housing insecurity or are at risk of homelessness? RIPTA is seeking partners to jointly fund transportation for these riders through our Low-Income Program. To participate, please submit this application to lowincomeprogram@ripta.com.

This program is ideal for:

• Community-based organizations
• State agencies
• Housing and social service partnerships

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If approved, partners will receive a 50% discount on fare products for clients through institutional low-income Wave accounts.

Are You Low-Income and Need Help Paying for Public Transportation?

If you do not qualify for RIPTA’s Reduced Fare program, please reach out to the social service organization you currently receive support from.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

This program is an outgrowth of a pilot program launched by RIPTA in Fall 2022 to understand the travel needs of low-income riders who do not qualify for existing transit assistance programs. During the initial phase, RIPTA enrolled 775 individuals between the ages of 6 and 65, with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Twelve partner organizations, including homeless-serving organizations and community action programs, assisted with the enrollment effort, enabling participants to access unlimited travel on RIPTA’s fixed-route network. In a second pilot phase, RIPTA transferred the management of monthly passes to participating partner agencies while continuing to fund the trips. In May and June 2024, RIPTA shifted part of the funding responsibility to the partners, allowing them to purchase fare products on pilot participants’ behalf at a discounted rate. In the third pilot phase, from July 1—December 31, 2024, RIPTA invited organizations that support riders facing housing insecurity to apply for discounted fare products. With twenty-two organizations already participating, this program will continue and expand.