October 28, 2012

As Hurricane Sandy continues to move toward New England, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is working closely with emergency officials to prepare for possible service impacts caused by flooding or high wind conditions.  RIPTA will run regular service tomorrow, Monday, October 29, 2012.

RIPTA’s hurricane emergency preparedness plan focuses first on safety and second on attempting to accommodate as many passengers as possible traveling within Rhode Island.  RIPTA will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Sandy.  If necessary, RIPTA will suspend service in order to protect our passengers, employees, and transit assets.

Passengers are strongly advised to monitor news reports, check www.RIPTA.com and RIPTA’s social media outlets for service advisory updates.  In preparation for the storm, 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. 

RIPTA customers should visit RIPTA’s website, www.ripta.com, or social media accounts (Facebook @RideRIPTA ,Twitter @RIPTA_RI), for updated service status updates and travel advisories.  Customers are advised to plan their travel accordingly in the event of service delays or suspension during the storm, and 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.