RIPTA’s Winter Service Changes
To Take Effect Saturday, January 17, 2026
Cost-neutral adjustments driven by rider feedback and performance data aim to improve reliability and on-time performance
Providence, Rhode Island…The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will implement winter service changes effective Saturday, January 17, 2026. RIPTA makes regular service adjustments three times a year in response to seasonal changes and passenger demand. Routes affected by the winter service changes include: 12x, 21, 22, 24L, 31, 50, 56, 59x, 61x, 66, 69, 78, 95x and Qx.
These scheduled winter service changes are cost-neutral and reflect recent feedback received directly from riders. Adjustments include trip time changes on select express routes to better align with work schedules, based on overwhelming feedback from passengers who rely on these routes for their daily commute.
“Listening to our riders and our frontline employees is essential to delivering the kind of service our community expects and deserves,” said Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “By using performance data and direct feedback, we can make targeted, cost-neutral adjustments that improve reliability, reduce operator stress, and better align service with real-world travel needs.”
The winter service changes were determined using performance data, with a focus on comparing scheduled service to actual on-street conditions. RIPTA also proactively sought input from bus operators, who provided valuable insight based on their day-to-day experience and the feedback they receive from riders. Even minor adjustments can make a meaningful difference by improving on-time performance, creating more predictable workdays for operators, and providing riders with more reliable service.
The following routes will be affected by the winter service changes:
Route 12x (Arctic/117 Express Park & Ride)
Weekday trip times adjusted to better accommodate riders’ work schedules.
Route 21 (Reservoir/Garden City/CCRI)
Weekday trip times adjusted to better accommodate riders’ work schedules.
Route 22 (Pontiac Ave)
Weekday frequency reduced from every :55 to every :60 minutes to improve reliability and provide more appropriate recovery time for operators
Route 24L (Newport/Fall River/Providence)
Weekday trip times adjusted to improve reliability and provide more appropriate recovery time for operators.
Route 31 (Cranston St)
Weekday trip times adjusted to improve reliability and provide more appropriate recovery time for operators.
Route 50 (Douglas Ave/Bryant)
Weekday trip times adjust to improve on-time performance and provide more appropriate recovery time for operators.
Route 56 (Chalkstone Ave)
Weekday trip times adjusted to improve reliability and provide more appropriate recovery time for operators.
Route 59x (North Smithfield/Lincoln Mall Park & Ride)
Weekday trip times adjusted to better accommodate riders’ work schedules.
Route 61x (Tiverton/East Bay Park & Ride)
Weekday trip times adjusted to better accommodate riders’ work schedules.
Route 66 (URI/Providence)
Weekday trip time adjusted to ensure riders traveling south in the morning have a reliable connection to the URI Bay Campus. The morning trip was shifted to connect with Route 64 at Kingston Station. Weekend morning trip(s) shifted for more feasible connections to MBTA to Boston.
Route 69 (Narragansett/Galilee)
Limited Saturday service restored from morning to midday (9:15a - 4:12p).
Route 78 (Beverage Hill/E.Prov)
Saturday trip times adjust to improve on-time performance and provide more appropriate recovery time for operators.
Route 95x (Westerly Park & Ride)
Weekday trip times adjusted to better accommodate riders’ work schedules.
Route Qx (Quonset Express)
Weekday trips added to align with Job Lot shift times.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to check new schedules for how service changes may affect them. Visit RIPTA.com/ServiceChanges.