April 19, 2013
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and AARP will host a free “How to Ride RIPTA Workshop” at Stillwater Heights, 30 Central Street, Harrisville, RI on Thursday, May 2, 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. 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.
“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.”
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 or visit ripta.com.