September 12, 2019
Press Releases
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will hold public hearings on a new proposed fare structure from September 19, 2019 through October 3, 2019. Under the proposed restructuring, the base fare of $2 per boarding will remain the same, but other fares and products would be changed as the transit authority prepares for the launch of its new smart fare collection system with reloadable fare cards and more options for passengers. That system is slated to launch in early 2020. A total of thirteen hearings will be held in the state’s five counties.
RIPTA is not proposing an increase in its base fare. All of the proposed changes need the approval of RIPTA’s Board of Directors and the board will receive a summary of all public feedback.
Proposed changes to be addressed at the hearings include the introduction of new fares, the discontinuation of transfers for cash fares, and the discontinuation of the 10-ride and seven-day passes. The Authority will also hold a public hearing on proposed Downtown Transit Connector (DTC) service improvements to Routes 3, 4, 51, 54, 58, 62, and 72 on September 26, 2019 in Providence.
The proposed fare restructuring includes:
Base Cash Fare – $2.00
(No change from existing fare structure)
Fare for Wave Smart Card/Mobile App – $2.00
(Includes 1 hour of unlimited travel)
Wave Smart Card/Mobile App Activation Fee – $5.00
Wave Smart Card/Mobile App Replacement Fee – $5.00
Route 24 Limited Express Service Fare – $4.00
Route 24 Limited Express Monthly Pass – $140.00
(Service to Fall River, MA and Newport, RI)
Downtown Providence Corridor Fare – $1.00
Earn As You Go Wave Fare Structure
Under this new structure, riders will never pay more than the price of a Day Pass in one day or the price of a monthly pass in one calendar month.
DOWNTOWN TRANSIT CONNECTOR (DTC) SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS
The public hearing scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2019, will address he proposed Downtown Transit Connector (DTC). The DTC will provide high-frequency transit service (every 5 minutes in each direction) between the Providence Amtrak/MBTA Station and the Hospital District in Upper South Providence. Routes 51, 54, 58, and 72 will be extended south beyond Kennedy Plaza to RI Hospital, and that Routes 3, 4, and 62 will be extended north to Providence Station. Weekday frequencies will increase on some routes, including Routes 3 and 4 during the midday from 70 minutes to 40 minutes, Route 72 will increase service from 30 minutes to 20 minutes all day.
Public Hearing Schedule
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Barrington Public Library
281 County Road, Barrington, RI
Times: 2pm – 4pm & 6pm – 8pm
Monday, September 23, 2019
Warwick City Hall
3275 Post Road, Warwick, RI
Times: 2pm – 4pm & 6pm – 8pm
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Narragansett Town Hall
25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI
Times: 2pm – 4pm & 6pm – 8pm
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Newport Public Library
300 Spring Street, Newport, RI
Times: 2pm – 4pm & 6pm – 8pm
Thursday, September 26, 2019*
The Commerce Center
30 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI
Times: 11am – 1pm & 4pm – 6pm
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
RIPTA Headquarters
705 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Pawtucket City Hall
137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
Times: 2pm – 4pm & 6pm – 8pm
*This hearing will address proposed fare structure changes and DTC service improvements
Under state law, the Authority must post the hearing schedule prior to holding any public hearings. All input from the public at the hearings will go to RIPTA’s Board of Directors in October and the Board will vote on the proposed fare structure and service improvements at its October 21, 2019 Board meeting. If the proposed changes are approved it will then be determined when the changes will take effect.
These hearings will be accessible to persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency. RIPTA will provide translation and interpreter services for the deaf and hearing impaired, provided such a request is made at least 72 hours prior to the hearing date. A request for this service can be by calling (401) 784-9500 ex. 1242 or 800-745-5555 (RI Relay TDD).