February 9, 2013

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced today that all bus service will be reinstated with the first trip of the day on Monday, February 11, 2013.  Riders should expect some delays due to post-storm conditions and are advised to use extreme caution at bus stops.  RIde Program Services for vital medical trips only will resume on Sunday, February 10, 2013; all RIde Program trips will resume on Monday, February 11^th.

RIPTA has been working closely with emergency officials to determine when it is safe to resume service.  Heavy unplowed snow on main and secondary roads, coupled with high winds and dropping temperatures, make it difficult for RIPTA vehicles to safely travel throughout the state.  RIPTA’s emergency preparedness plan focuses first on safety and second on attempting to accommodate as many passengers as possible traveling within Rhode Island.   The safety of our employees and passengers is RIPTA’s top priority. RIPTA apologizes for the inconvenience and asks for the public’s understanding as we work around the clock to resume service.

KENNEDY PLAZA

The Kennedy Plaza Intermodal Transportation Center, including the Ticket Windows, will reopen on Monday, February 11, 2013.

FLEX SERVICE

Flex Service, suspended on Friday, February 8^th at 12:00PM, will resume on Monday, February 11, 2013. The Flex Service reservation line (1-877-906-FLEX) will reopen on Monday morning.

RIDE PROGRAM

RIPTA will resume RIde Program Services for vital medical trips only on Sunday, February 10^th. The RIde Program will resume all service on Monday, February 11^th.   The RIde reservation line (401-461-9760) will reopen on Monday morning.

PARK N’ RIDE SERVICE

All Park-n-Rides lots will be serviced beginning Monday, February 11, 2013. 

Passengers are strongly advised to monitor news reports, check www.RIPTA.com and RIPTA’s social media outlets (Facebook @RideRIPTA ,Twitter @RIPTA_RI) for service advisory updates.  RIPTA urges passengers to sign up for electronic News Updates at http://www.ripta.com/detours-news; RIPTA will e-mail system disruption notices to passengers on this distribution list.  Customers are advised to use extra caution at bus stops, as conditions may slippery.

RIPTA, the State’s Mobility Manager, operates over 3,000 daily bus trips on over 50 bus routes throughout the state.   Last year, we provided 20 million rides.  RIPTA also offers passenger van “Flex” services in areas not served by fixed-route bus service.  For more information on schedules or other RIPTA services, please call 781-9400 or visit ripta.com.