March 5, 2012

Representative Scott A. Slater joins RIPTA and AARP at the West End Community Center on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 10:00am to launch workshop series.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced the launch of the “How to Ride RIPTA Workshop” series, created for the state’s senior community.  Officials from RIPTA and AARP will join with Representative Scott A. Slater (Democrat- District 10, Providence) to launch this series at the West End Community Center, 109 Bucklin Avenue, Providence on March 5, 2012 at 10:00am.  Following a brief speaking program, RIPTA will teach seniors the basics of using public transportation.

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.  All attendees of this travel training program will 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.   RIPTA Photo ID staff will be on site to process Senior/Disabled Bus Passes for qualified applicants.

      “Encouraging mobility among older Rhode Islanders is very high on AARP’s agenda,” said AARP State Director Kathleen Connell. “Getting out and about is good for people’s heath, but it also reduces isolation – which is something that takes its toll on many seniors. Getting more people to use public transportation begins with simply guiding some through those first tentative steps. We are very pleased to be working with RIPTA to educate the public and to promote the use of what is a very fine public transportation system.”

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 disabilities will cost $21.25 in 2012 and are valid for 5 years.

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 or visit ripta.com.