February 22, 2022
Press Releases
Testing Site at Transit Center on Main Street Opens Friday, February 25, 2022
Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and the City of Pawtucket announced that a new COVID-19 testing site will be opening on Friday, February 25, 2022 at its transit center in the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council headquarters at 175 Main Street, Pawtucket. The testing site will administer both PCR and POC COVID-19 tests Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm and on weekends from 10am to 2pm. Appointments are not required.
“This new testing site is a great example of our partnership with the City of Pawtucket, RIPTA, and the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council,” said Governor McKee. “I’m grateful for their collaboration as we continue to provide this important service to Rhode Islanders. Along with vaccinations, convenient access to testing sites is crucial to keeping ourselves and our families safe.”
“We continue to use our resources to serve our community. With almost 1,000 passengers passing through every day, this highly accessible transit center is an ideal location for a COVID-19 testing site in Pawtucket. In addition, RIPTA continues to provide free transportation to vaccination appointments,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re grateful to the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council for being a supportive community partner on this.”
“Testing continues to be an important part of our work to combat COVID-19 here in Pawtucket,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “I want to thank RIPTA, the Department of Health, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, and everyone involved for their continued work in our community and dedication to health and safety. This new walk-up facility will continue to provide the much-needed access for our residents that they deserve in the downtown area. Our team, with leadership from Public Health and Equity Leader Elizabeth Moreira, has made it a priority of this administration to continue to expand COVID-19 services in our community.”
“We are pleased to serve the Pawtucket community and RIPTA. The Visitor Center has always been the place for gathering people, transit needs and historical knowledge dissemination. This is a new and different way to serve the community and we are eager to be able to help.” Dr. Robert Billington, President, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
Details:
COVID-19 Testing Site in Partnership with the City of Pawtucket
and Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
COVID-19 Testing Site Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 2pm
Pawtucket Transit Center / Blackstone Valley Tourism Headquarters
125 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Free Vaccination Transportation
RIPTA is providing free transportation to people traveling to and from vaccination appointments on existing routes, as well as for RIde paratransit passengers. Once you have made your vaccination appointment, please contact RIPTA’s Customer Service team at 401-784-9500 x2012 or CustomerRelations@RIPTA.com. You must have a Wave smart card or Wave mobile app to participate in this promotion. Visit RIPTA.com/wave for details.