Due to Post-Blizzard Conditions, RIPTA to Resume Limited Service, including RIde Paratransit, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Passengers Should Expect Delays and Detours as Service Gradually Returns
Providence, Rhode Island — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will resume service on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, following the Governor’s decision to lift the statewide travel ban. As the state’s public transportation provider, RIPTA plays an essential role in supporting the safe reopening of the state’s economy. While the most severe impacts of Winter Storm Hernando have passed, safety remains RIPTA’s top priority as the state begins reopening and recovery efforts continue.
Although travel restrictions have been lifted, municipalities across Rhode Island continue working to clear roadways and require additional time and resources to complete snow removal operations.
RIPTA officials will continue coordinating closely with state and local partners to monitor roadway conditions and ensure streets are safe and accessible for buses and paratransit vehicles.
As service resumes, passengers should expect delays, detours, and possible route modifications due to narrowed streets and ongoing cleanup efforts. RIPTA expects it may take several days for service to return to normal levels.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to service alerts for the latest updates on route resumptions and detours by visiting RIPTA.com/alerts or signing up for email alerts.
In addition, RIPTA crews are preparing to begin snow removal at bus shelters. This work is contingent upon roads being sufficiently cleared to allow safe access for crews and equipment. RIPTA is responsible for snow removal at nearly 400 bus shelters around the state, as well as major transit hubs such as Kennedy Plaza. Snow removal at approximately 3,600 bus stops located on local sidewalks is the responsibility of municipal governments, businesses and property owners per their local ordinances. These requirements help support pedestrian safety by ensuring that sidewalks and bus stops remain clear and accessible.
The safety of RIPTA passengers and employees remains the Authority’s highest priority as service is restored in a safe and responsible manner.
All RIPTA offices, including the Ticket Sales Office in Kennedy Plaza and the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center, will reopen on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
How to Sign Up for Email Alerts
RIPTA is pleased to offer service updates by route, so you can receive information that may impact you. This service provides subscribers with information about detours, temporary service disruptions and service changes on the routes they ride. To sign up for route-specific email alerts, visit RIPTA.com/schedules. Click on the route you would like to receive alerts for and then click on “Receive Updates for This Schedule.” Enter your email address in the form that pops up and then click “Subscribe.” You will now receive service information regarding that bus route.
For more information on RIPTA services, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400.