The RIde Program is provided for people whose disabilities prevent them from riding RIPTA’s fixed route buses or prevents travel to and from bus stops. This paratransit option provides door to door service, but advanced reservations are required.
Under federal regulations, the RIde Paratransit Service must operate within a 3/4-mile area on either side of a fixed route. RIde operates during the same hours as the fixed bus route and all trips must start and end in the designated route area. This service is provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Click the button below for ADA eligibility and to apply for this service.
Please click the below buttons to learn more about the RIde program, such as how to use it, what to do if there is a cancellation or delay, and other policies.
How to Schedule Trips
Trip Scheduling
ADA trips can be scheduled for any purpose as late as the day before you want to travel. Standing Orders, which are trips that occur on a daily or weekly basis such as trips to work or school, may be scheduled once.
Reserving Your Ride
To make a reservation, call (401) 461-9760 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm from Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, passengers may make reservations between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. The RIde office is closed on RIPTA recognized holidays.
In order to make a reservation, you should have the following information:
- The date you want to travel.
- Your starting address – where you want to get on or board the van. Please have the exact street address including zip code.
- Your destination address – where you want to get off the van. Please have the exact street address including zip code.
- The time you need to arrive at your destination and the time you need to return.
RIde is a shared ride service so your trip time may not be scheduled at the exact time you request. A RIde Customer Service Agent will work with you to find a time that works. You may need to call back later to find out the time your trip is scheduled.
Same Day Rides
Sorry, we are not able to provide same day rides. All rides must be reserved in advance.
Getting Ready
The RIde Customer Service Agent will give you a scheduled pick-up window. This is not an exact pick-up time. You must be ready to be picked up at any time within the scheduled window. Please do not call the office to check on your ride during this 20-minute period. All of our vans display the RIde logo. Sometimes RIde trips are served by taxicabs. Watch for the van or cab and please be ready to go and be visible to the driver.
Driver Wait Time
To avoid delaying other passengers, drivers can only wait 5 minutes for you. Please be ready to leave when your driver arrives.
For RIde Information call:
(401) 461-9760
Shared Ride
RIde is a public transportation service. While taxis may serve some trips under certain circumstances, RIde vans provide most trips and other passengers are likely to be on board during your trip. Your scheduled pick-up times or travel route may be altered so that another passenger can be accommodated. The van may stop and pick up other riders as it travels to your destination. Shared rides lower the cost of paratransit service. RIde schedulers may ask you to accept trip reservation times that are different from your original requested pick-up time, and your reservation time may be changed so that more passengers may be served.
Taxicabs
Some RIde trips are served by taxicabs when the need arises. The same fares apply to RIde trips served by cabs. Cabs cannot be requested.
Cancellations
You must notify us of your cancellation as soon as possible and at least two hours before your scheduled pick-up time so that our vans will be free to pick up other passengers.
Cancellations not made in this way will be treated as “no-shows”. RIde reserves the right to suspend service for a reasonable period of time for riders who exhibit a pattern or practice of missing trips.
Delays
Traffic, weather, or other delays may sometimes result in a late pick-up that is unavoidable. Please wait until the end of the 20-minute window before calling us to ask about your ride. We will make every effort to pick you up on time.
Passenger Assistance
All RIde service is door-to-door, as needed. Drivers are trained to assist you and are sensitive to your needs. However, drivers do not enter homes and do not go beyond the main lobby of a building. Drivers are also not allowed to lift passengers or mobility devices up and down stairs. Passengers must make other arrangements for assistance in these cases. Drivers also are not allowed to carry grocery bags or other packages.
Safety
For your safety and the safety of others, you must use a seatbelt at all times. If you need assistance, please ask your driver. If you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, your driver will secure the device using a four-point system and you must use a lap and shoulder belt in addition to any belts you may have on your mobility device. In the event of an emergency, follow the directions of your driver.
Snow and Ice
If there is a winter storm or other emergency, please watch for media announcements regarding RIde Service. Be sure that your entryway and walkways are clear of ice and snow. This will make it safer for our vehicles and drivers to get to you. Severe Weather Policy.
Tipping
Please do not offer tips to drivers. Drivers are not allowed to accept tips or gifts.
Shopping Bags
The number of shopping bags/carry-ons is limited to what the passenger can carry on the van in a single trip. Drivers are not permitted to carry your bags.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome on the van. When you are reserving a trip, please let the RIde Customer Service Agent (CSA) know if you will be traveling with a service animal.
Courtesy
As a courtesy to others, smoking, eating, drinking, and radio playing are not allowed on the van.
Helpful Links
Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC)
ADA Users Guide
ADA Application
Policies About Ride Service
Request for Reasonable Modification Document
RIPTA ADA Customer Conduct Policy
Severe Weather Cancellation Policy
Questions, Comments, Complaints?
How are we doing? We would like to know what you think about our service. Questions, comments, or complaints may be sent to the address below or you can call the RIde administrative office at 461-8130 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm.
Customer Service
The RIde Program
705 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
If you have a complaint or comment about service, please have the date and time of the event and the van number or driver name when you call.