February 11, 2022
Press Releases
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will celebrate Transit Equity Day today, along with transportation and climate organizations. Organized by the Labor Network for Sustainability, this initiative advocates for nationwide accessible, environmentally-sustainable, and equitable public transportation.
Chief Executive Officer Scott Avedisian, along with other RIPTA officials and members of the board, will attend the Transit Equity Day press conference. Hosted by RI Transit Riders and the George Wiley Center, the press conference will take place on Smith Street in front of the Department of Administration at 2pm on Friday, February 11, 2022.
As the State’s Mobility Manager, RIPTA understands the importance of providing equitable transportation. For many, RIPTA is an essential lifeline to healthcare, employment, education, food, housing and more. The communities that the Authority serves rely on access to public transportation to ensure their health, well-being and livelihood.
“We understand that access to opportunity through equitable transportation is key to reducing the disparities that exist for Rhode Island’s minority and low-income populations, “ said Scott Avedisian. “RIPTA is committed to identifying where those gaps exist in our transportation network and addressing them with the resources and technology we have.”
“In an effort to make transit easier and more equitable to use, we recently implemented fare capping with our new Wave smart fare system,” said Greg Nordin, RIPTA’s Chief of Strategic Advancement. “Passengers are no longer burdened with the upfront cost of having to purchase a Monthly Pass. With our Wave “Earn As You Go” feature, passengers are rewarded with free rides after they meet the fare equivalent of a daily or monthly pass. ”
Launched in September 2020, Wave gives passengers the option of paying their bus fare with either a reloadable smart card or a new mobile app, and is already being used by thousands of RIPTA customers. For more information, visit RIPTA.com/wave.
RIPTA is committed to continuing to look for better ways to serve more people. As part of that commitment, the Authority is currently working on implementing the state’s first Transit Master Plan and using that as a guide for improving transit equity.
For more information on Transit Equity Day, click here.
Visit RIPTA.com for more information on Rhode Island’s public transportation provider.