RIPTA Highlights Major Service Improvements, Innovation, and Community Impact in 2025 Year in Review Report
Providence, R.I. — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today released its 2025 Year in Review report and video, detailing a year of significant progress in rider experience, workforce development and long-term sustainability. In 2025, RIPTA provided 12,530,882 rides, serving as a critical connection to jobs, education, healthcare and opportunity across the state.
“In 2025, RIPTA strengthened the connections that matter most to Rhode Islanders,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “From expanding access through new pilot programs and employer partnerships to investing in infrastructure, technology and our workforce, our team remained focused on making transit more reliable, more accessible and easier to use.”
RIPTA continued to strengthen partnerships with major employers and economic hubs, expanding Wave to Work employer programs and implementing cost-neutral improvements to the Quonset Express (Route Qx). These changes improved connectivity from Woonsocket to Providence and Quonset Point, supporting Electric Boat and accommodating first-, second- and third-shift workers.
Throughout 2025, RIPTA introduced and expanded several innovative programs designed to reduce barriers to transit and introduce new riders to the system. A Multifamily Residential Pilot Program distributed more than 900 transit cards to residents, while a new Bus Buddy program provided personalized, one-on-one support to help riders confidently navigate the system.
Seasonal and event-based partnerships also brought new riders on board. RIPTA’s Hop-On Hop-Off Newport service recorded more than 156,000 passenger trips, offering a convenient, car-free option for residents and visitors, while a partnership with Rhode Island FC helped ease congestion and introduced fans to transit on game days.
Major capital investments advanced in 2025, including construction of the Pawtucket–Central Falls Transit Center Passenger Facility, which just opened in January 2026. RIPTA made targeted investments to enhance the rider experience, including expanded customer service hours, bus shelter upgrades, and new real-time information screens at Kennedy Plaza and other facilities. For paratransit riders, RIPTA launched the RIde – MTM Go app, giving passengers with disabilities greater independence through mobile trip management and real-time arrival information.
Operational improvements were guided by a state-required Operational Efficiency Study, which confirmed that RIPTA’s operating and administrative costs are in line with or lower than peer transit agencies—despite serving a service area more than twice as large.
The 2025 Year in Review Report and video are now available at RIPTA.com/YearInReview.
For information on RIPTA services and programs, call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.