June 27, 2022
Press Releases
Improving Public Transportation Access to Hundreds of Residents
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced the expansion of Flex Service 281 (Woonsocket/Manville) into Manville, Rhode Island. Passengers can travel within the local Flex Zone, which includes Woonsocket and Manville, in addition to connecting to RIPTA’s fixed-route, statewide service. Key destinations in the Zone include Manville Manor, Stop & Shop, Landmark Medical Center, Dowling Village, Walmart-North Smithfield and Walnut Hill Shopping Center.
Flex Service brings a public transportation option to areas that have little or no fixed-route service. The name Flex is short for flexible service because it offers passengers the option of choosing their own pick-up or drop-off point within their designated local Flex Zone.
“The more quality transportation options we have for our communities, the more accessible Rhode Island becomes for everyone,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Thank you Representative Ackerman for your attention to the needs of our Manville residents and to RIPTA for making this happen.”
“This Flex Service expansion will improve access to jobs, education and opportunity for the residents of Manville,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “This is another step forward toward creating a world class transit system for Rhode Island, as outlined in the State’s Transit Master Plan.”
Flex 281 (Woonsocket/Manville) is available Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM with a 24-hour advance reservation. From this Flex Zone, passengers can transfer to Route 54 (Lincoln/Woonsocket), Route 87 (Fairmount/Walnut Hill), Route 59X (North Smithfield/ Lincoln Mall Park-n-Ride) and Route 282 (Pascoag/Slatersville Flex). Manville residents should expect to receive a mailer from RIPTA this week redeemable for one complimentary Flex ride. Passengers will simply need to present the mailer to the driver to redeem it.
We all know the importance transportation plays in people’s lives. It is critical that people have convenient access to essential services such as stores, medical facilities, and community centers where they live,” said State Representative Mia Ackerman. “That is why we are so excited that the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has expanded its Woonsocket Flex Zone to include Manville. This reservation-based service will also give Manville residents a connection to RIPTA’s statewide service, and we are aware that RIPTA is looking ahead to making its Flex service even easier to use in the future. We appreciate this new service option for Manville area residents, and we look forward to collaborating with RIPTA on more projects in the future.”
Flex Service expands the menu of mobility options for state residents, providing them with convenient, affordable transportation within their communities and an opportunity to make seamless connections to other locations in the State.
“I am extremely pleased that RIPTA is now offering Flex service to the Manville section of Lincoln, said Phil Gould, Lincoln Town Administrator. “This expansion will help provide transportation options to one of the more densely populated areas of town. In light of the recent spike in fuel costs this will provide an opportunity that couldn’t come at a better time.”
This Flex Service expansion is part of RIPTA’s broader, long-range plan to improve service as mentioned in the Transit Master Plan – Transit Forward RI 2040. This bold and ambitious plan is designed to help make Rhode Island a better and more prosperous place to live, work, and play.
To use Flex Service, passengers can either make a reservation 24 hours in advance by calling 401-784-9500 ext. 1220. The fare structure for Flex is the same as RIPTA’s fixed-route bus service.
Photo (L-R): Claudette Kuligowski, Lincoln Housing Authority Executive Director; Scott Avedisian, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer; Representative Mia Ackerman; Representative Mary Ann Shallcross Smith; Phil Gould, Lincoln Town Administrator
Link to video clips: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/71e126c947f59bdd8ce75a0635636d1120220627150026/f3923446c65013fe5a91a7e63745437820220627150046/bef34e