May 6, 2013

Press Releases

Providence, Rhode Island, May 6, 2013……The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and AARP will host a free “How to Ride RIPTA Workshop” at Scouter’s Municipal Hall, 13 Main Street, Slatersville, RI on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at  10:30AM.  During this workshop, RIPTA will teach seniors the basics of using public transportation including how to use RIPTA’s Flex Service.

This free How to Ride RIPTA Workshop program, developed by AARP and RIPTA, is designed to empower the senior community to mobilize and remain independent.  The program, launched in March 2012, has taught over one hundred seniors around the state how to access RIPTA’s services.  All attendees of this travel training program receive a free step-by-step “How to Ride Guide.” This guide contains information on how to read a bus schedule, fares, senior discounts and more.   

“Thanks to the efforts of RIPTA, we will be able to provide services to our elderly population that otherwise may be reduced. I encourage everyone who has used the mini bus services to join us at Scout’s Municipal Hall for an informational meeting on what lies in store for our town!” said Paulette D. Hamilton, Town Administrator.

282 Pascoag/Slatersville Flex Service

RIPTA representatives will teach workshop attendees how to use RIPTA’s Flex Service.  Flex Service, which is short for Flexible Service, is a reservation-based, curb-to-curb service designed to serve rural and suburban areas with little or no public transportation.  Flex service is designed to be convenient, affordable public transportation, and provides the opportunity to connect to RIPTA’s fixed-route service.  RIPTA introduced its innovative Flex Service in the Pascoag area on January 19, 2009.  

Bus Pass Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities

RIPTA offers a special Bus Pass Program that provides Reduced Fare and No Fare Bus Passes for qualified seniors and people with disabilities.   Bus passes are available to seniors and other qualified individuals with valid documentation.  Seniors and people with disabilities may ride for half-price with a RIPTA Reduced Fare Pass.  They pay full fare during RIPTA peak service hours (7am – 9am and 3pm – 6pm) on weekdays and pay half fare all other times when they present a RIPTA Reduced Fare Pass or Medicare Card.   Qualifying low income seniors and people with disabilities may ride free of charge with a RIPTA No Fare Pass. Bus passes for seniors and people with cost $25.00 and are valid for 5 years.

Photo ID Staff On Site Processing Senior/Disabled Bus Passes

RIPTA Photo ID staff will be on site to process Senior/Disabled Bus Passes for qualified applicants.  Those interested in obtaining a RIPTA Senior Bus Pass are asked to bring $25.00 cash to the session and proof of being over 65 years of age.  The Senior Bus Pass is good for five years and entitles the holder to discounted fares on RIPTA.  Individuals with a RI Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Elderly Card (RIPAE Card 8018) or a Medical Assistance Card (Medicaid Card) are asked to bring those as well; RIPAE and Medicaid Card holders are eligible for FREE Fares on RIPTA ($25.00 processing fee is still required). 

To schedule a How to Ride RIPTA Workshop at your venue, please call Cristy Raposo at 784-9500 x.242.

To request a How to Ride RIPTA Guidebook or for information on RIPTA services and schedules, call 781-9400