June 23, 2025

Press Releases

Schools and Organizations Encouraged to Apply Now Through July 16

Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is inviting high schools and youth-serving organizations to participate in a special Summer Youth Pass Pilot Program aimed at keeping high school students connected to essential resources and opportunities this summer.

This new initiative is funded by an allocation from RI’s proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) program and distributed by the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) pursuant to its FY2025 Spending Plan. The summer youth pass offers a meaningful solution to a pressing challenge: high school students often have the highest transportation needs in the summer, but the least access. This pilot program is fully funded by a grant and does not draw from RIPTA’s operating budget.

“We know that mobility is critical for Rhode Island’s youth, whether they’re traveling to summer jobs, enrichment programs, or just exploring their communities,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “By using this grant to pilot a summer youth pass, we can ensure students stay connected to opportunities that help them grow, learn, and thrive all summer long.”

“Staying connected over the summer can be difficult for high school students—particularly those without reliable transportation,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “This pilot program represents an important step in empowering Rhode Island’s youth, helping them access summer jobs, attend school programs, or simply enjoy a day at the beach. It’s about giving them the mobility they need to make the most of their summer.”

Organizations accepted into the pilot will have access to certain RIPTA fare products at a 50% discount. Participating organizations will be able to distribute July and August monthly passes, day passes, or single ride QR codes directly to students using plastic or virtual Wave cards.

“Many of our teen participants rely on RIPTA to access DownCity Design’s free after school and summer programs, where they learn valuable skills while designing and building service projects for their communities,” said DownCity Design Executive Director Adrienne Gagnon. “This discounted transit partnership ensures young people from across Providence County can access our programs this summer, removing transportation barriers and investing in the next generation of designers who are already making a difference.”

How to Apply

Eligible organizations include:

• All Rhode Island high schools
• Youth programs and nonprofits serving high school-aged students in Rhode Island

Interested applicants should email pilot@ripta.com for a pilot program application.

For more information or questions, organizations can call (401) 784-9500 x1283.

For more information on RIPTA’s programs and services, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400.