May 16, 2013

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and AARP hosted a free “How to Ride RIPTA and Rail ” event today, Thursday, May 16, 2013.  Forty seniors gathered at the South Kingston Senior Center in Wakefield, RI this morning where they boarded a RIPTA bus headed to the Wickford Junction Train Station.  While onboard, RIPTA staff taught seniors the basics of using public transportation including how to use RIPTA’s Flex Service.  Upon arrival at the Wickford Junction Train Station, seniors transferred from the bus to a train headed into Providence.  AARP State Director Kathleen Connell greeted the group at the Providence Train Station before escorting them to the State House, where they received a tour and lunch before boarding the train back to Wickford. For photos from today’s event, please visit RIPTA’s Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.618672481485765.1073741825.197671420252542&type=3

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 received 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.”

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.

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.