August 9, 2023

Press Releases

The R-Line Free Fare Pilot Program Will End on October 1, 2023

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced the extension of the R-Line fare free pilot program through September 30, 2023. After this extension, the R-Line fare free pilot program will end on October 1, 2023.

The Rhode Island General Assembly allocated $2.5 million of one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward a year-long free fare pilot program on the R-Line, a rapid bus route which connects Providence and Pawtucket. The actual cost of this pilot program exceeded this allocation. Given the annual cost of this pilot and RIPTA’s current budget outlook, it is not financially feasible for RIPTA to continue this program indefinitely. RIPTA came to this decision after a thorough analysis of the program.

The pilot, which was scheduled to end on August 31, 2023, has been extended for an additional month to allow ample time to notify passengers of the upcoming change. Starting October 1, 2023, R-Line passengers will be required to pay the full fare, which is $2 per boarding with cash or $2 for one hour of unlimited rides with Wave.

Passengers traveling on all other RIPTA routes are required to pay the full fare.

Fare Free Paratransit RIde Service

During the pilot program period, RIde paratransit service is also fare free for passengers making trips that begin and end within 3/4 mile of the R-line. Starting October 1, 2023, paratransit passengers will be required to pay the full fare, which is $4 per trip.

For more information on RIPTA’s pilot program, visit RIPTA.com/Rlinepilot.