Wave to Work

Flexible transportation options for your employees

Thousands of Rhode Islanders use RIPTA to get to work every day. Now employers of all sizes across Rhode Island can help pay for workers’ commutes by enrolling in Wave to Work, which offers employees discounted bus passes.

This fully customizable transit benefits program helps employers:

Stay competitive: Attract and retain quality employees
Reduce the demand for parking spaces and costs
Enhance their public image
Save on FICA and other payroll related taxes
Reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions
Help Rhode Island meet its Act on Climate goal

Choose a Program That
Fits Your Business

Everyone Saves
with Wave to Work

Other Ways
Employers Can Benefit

Get Started Today

Want to Learn More?

Transit-Friendly Employers

Choose a Program That Fits Your Business

Wave to Work plans* are flexible, scalable, and tailored to meet your company’s needs. You choose the transit incentive! Subsidize the fare or offer pre-tax commuter benefits.

Employers can choose to subsidize the full cost of the employee bus pass or subsidize part of the cost of the employee bus pass with the employee paying for the difference. Alternatively, employees can save money on their commuting costs by having funds deducted from their paycheck pre-tax. With this option, employees still receive savings, but at no cost to the employer.

Pay Per Month – Full

Employers subsidize the full amount and pay a discounted rate of $60 per month. Employees receive unlimited rides.

Pay Per Month – Partial

Employers subsidize a partial amount, and with the employee’s contribution, pay a discounted rate of $65 per month. Employees receive unlimited rides.

Pay Per Ride – Full or Partial

Employers subsidize the full amount to pay a discounted rate of $1.50 per ride taken or a partial amount to pay a discounted rate of $1.75 per ride.

*All plans require a 1-year commitment.

Everyone Saves with Wave to Work

By enrolling in Wave to Work, companies can save roughly 7.5% in payroll taxes (including FICA, SUI, SDI and city taxes) on the amount employees set aside. Employees can save money on their commuting costs by having funds deducted from their paycheck pre-tax.

With Wave’s fare capping benefit, employers will never pay more than the standard monthly rate per employee.

Employees board easily with the free Wave mobile app.

Other Ways Businesses Can Benefit:

Your participation in Wave to Work is an important step towards creating a more sustainable future for our planet – and we want you to shout it from the rooftops! Once you’ve met all the program requirements, we will certify you as a Transit-Friendly Employer and you’ll receive the following benefits:

Free emergency rides home for participating employees

Free on-site travel training with RIPTA’s outreach team

Certified Wave to Work participant widget for your website

Recognition in a RIPTA Providence Business News ad

Recognition on RIPTA.com’s social media accounts

Transit-Friendly Employers

These employers have made an important step towards creating a more sustainable future for Rhode Island by joining RIPTA’s Wave to Work program!

Wave to Work Employer Spotlight: Greystone

“One of the best ways Wave to Work has helped attract employees is by offering free bus passes to all employees, regardless of shift, to get transportation to and from work.”

Andrew Stire

Plant Manager, Greystone

“RIPTA´s Wave to Work program is an essential part of our employees benefit package. Wave is easy to administer and flexible for all employees to use.”

Haley Pina

Administrative Office Manager, VHB

"Providing financial assistance to our employees for RIPTA’s Wave to Work program is more than a benefit, it is a commitment to our employees’ well-being. Supporting our employees and their families with commuting costs fosters loyalty and reduces stress.”