November 8, 2012

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) fixed-route fleet and RIde vehicles could not travel over the Newport Pell Bridge and Jamestown Bridge earlier this morning because of restrictions placed on the bridges by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). Due to sustained gusty winds in excess of 64 mph, box trucks and commercial vehicles were not allowed to travel on these bridges for safety reasons. Vehicle restrictions on the Pell Bridge have been removed and RITBA has reopened the bridge to all traffic. RIPTA, including the RIde Program, has resumed regular service over the Newport Pell Bridge and Jamestown Bridge.

RIPTA customers can visit RIPTA’s website, www.ripta.com, or social media accounts (Facebook @RideRIPTA ,Twitter @RIPTA_RI), for updated service status updates and travel advisories.

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.