April 22, 2015

Is it easy for passengers to buy tickets and passes to ride the bus?  Do we offer the types of fare products they are looking for? The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) wants to know how passengers feel about their fare pricing and products, and is inviting their passengers to take their Transit Fare Study Survey.  It is available on RIPTA’s website now through May 1, 2015. Also, copies of the survey are available at the customer service window at Kennedy Plaza and our Commuter Resource Team will be making it available to passengers at various locations, including some Park ‘n Ride commuter lots.

RIPTA is conducting the survey as it embarks on a comprehensive transit fare study that will review all fare products as well as the rates that are charged.  One of the main goals of the study –  which is expected to take about four months ­– is to determine if RIPTA is offering the types of fare products that best meet passengers’ needs.  

Passengers are encouraged to visit RIPTA’s website www.ripta.com and click on the Survey Link or they can find the survey directly at http://goo.gl/forms/ObXWrwqK0D.  This anonymous survey will help RIPTA better understand its customers’ opinions of existing fare products and structure.  RIPTA staff will also survey passengers on board some buses as well as at the Kennedy Plaza Intermodal Center, Newport Gateway Center, and Pawtucket Visitors’ Center.

RIPTA is currently also conducting another online survey regarding customer service satisfaction. That survey is part of nationwide polling conducted by the American Bus Benchmarking Group (ABBG).

“We know that people are busy these days, but we really hope they take the time to take both surveys,” said Barbara Polichetti, RIPTA’s Director of Public Affairs.  “The more input we get from the public on a different transit issues, the better job we can do in meeting passenger needs.”

For information on the fare study, please visit http://www.ripta.com/ripta-launches-comprehensive-fare-study.