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 encourages passengers to begin the renewal process at least one month prior to the account expiration date.

How to Apply:

RIPTA accepts bus pass program applications in person and by mail. In person applications are processed at the Photo ID Office at RIPTA Headquarters (705 Elmwood Avenue, Providence) Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm (closed 12pm-1pm). 

New bus pass for first-time applicants: Please follow steps 1 – 5 below.

1. Fill Out Application

• Click below to apply.  If you need an application mailed to you, please contact RIPTA Customer Service at 401-784-9500 ext. 2012. 

2. Provide a Photo

• Attach one photograph to the application.
• Submit a color photo, taken in last 6 months
• Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
• Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
• Take off your sunglasses for your photo.
• Use a plain background.
• To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all the photo requirements.

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:

• Driver’s License
• Passport
• Veterans Administration ID Card
• State ID Card

4. Fees

• There is a $10 administration charge to process your application.
• Include the fee in the form of a money order, credit or debit card.
• Make your money order payable to “Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.”
• Do not send cash. We are not responsible for cash sent through the mail.
• $10.00 Administration Fee is non-refundable.

5. Mail Completed Application

• Mail your completed application (with all supporting documentation), including your most recent photo, proof of identity and fees, to the address below:

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.

Applications & Document Checklist

• Photo ID Application for Persons with Disabilities or Seniors (Low Income) Download form |Apply online
• Senior Photo ID Application (Reduced Off Peak. No Income Eligibility Requirement) Download form | Apply online
• Replacement Card Request form:  Download form | Apply online
• Credit Card Authorization Form
• Replacement Card Request Form
• Overview of Reduced Fare Bus Pass Program

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.