RIPTA offers a special Reduced Fare Bus Pass Program that allows qualifying low-income seniors (age 65 or over) and low-income persons with disabilities to travel free for two years. Participants in this no fare program are issued a “Valid All Day” photo identification card that they use to board the bus. To apply for this program please see information below.
RIPTA also complies with federal transit guidelines and offers half-fare boarding to seniors and persons with disabilities, regardless of income, during OFF PEAK hours. Passengers enrolled in this program are issued “Valid Off Peak” photo identification cards. These passengers pay full fare during RIPTA peak service hours (7am-9am and 3pm-6pm) on weekdays. They can also use a Medicare Card to board.
RIPTA is accepts bus pass program applications in person and by mail.
New bus pass for first-time applicants: Please follow steps 1 – 5 below.
1. Fill Out Application
2. Provide a Photo
Submitted photos that differ considerably from submitted Proof of Identity will not be accepted.
3. Proof of Identity
Attach a clear photocopy of a valid, current photo ID. One of the following must be provided:
4. Fees
5. Mail Completed Application
Attention: Photo ID Office, RIPTA, 705 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
Upon receipt of completed application and payment, RIPTA staff will confirm the information provided in the application(s) and notify applicants within 21 business days of their status.
PHOTO IDENTIFICATION PRICE LIST
New customer: $10.00
Renewal customer: $10.00
Replacement cards: $20.00
Replacement cards are lost, stolen or damaged cards.
Damaged cards are cards that are bent, cracked or have any visible damage. To request a replacement card, print and fill out the Replacement Card Request Form. The Replacement Card Request Form and the damaged card must be mailed, along with the Replacement Card Fee, to the Photo ID Office at 705 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, 02907.
The replacement card fee is waived for cards that are malfunctioning. A malfunctioning card is a card that has no damage to it, but is unable to be read by the farebox. Once RIPTA verifies that the card is malfunctioning, and not damaged, a new replacement card will be mailed to you at no cost.
Money orders, credit cards and debit cards only. No personal checks will be accepted.
If you have any questions regarding the program, please call 401-784-9500 ext. 2012.
The passes issued for these programs are valid for two years and there is a $10 processing fee per issuance. They are not transferable and will be confiscated if used by another individual that is not the person pictured on the pass. There is also a fee to replace cards that are lost or stolen.