RIPTA Offering RI Residents Free Rides For Vaccine Appointments

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Islanders can now get a free ride to their coronavirus vaccine appointment, thanks to a partnership between state leaders and the state's Public Transit Authority. Gov. Dan McKee called the move "a big win for Rhode Island's vaccination efforts."

"We know that for many Rhode Islanders transportation is a consistent barrier to accessing a COVID-19 vaccine," McKee said. "Many of our State’s vaccination sites are already accessible by RIPTA bus service. I hope that no-cost trips will enable everyone who wants to get to a vaccine clinic to get there easily."

The free ride program will start Monday. To take part, residents can reach out to RIPTA's customer service department by email at CustomerService@RIPTA.com or by calling 401-781-9400. Anyone with an existing Wave smart card will receive a credit for $8. If not, RIPTA will mail out a Wave card with $8 preloaded on it. Then, tap the card on the validator next to the fare box when boarding the bus.

"We know that getting people vaccinated is the top priority for our Governor and our State," said RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian.

RIPTA received approval from the Federal Transit Administration to use federal funding to pay for these trips, Avedisian explained.

"We are working out the reimbursement details with the FTA, but are excited that this will allow us to provide such an important service to the public," he said.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the state's Department of Health, called the program "one additional step to remove barriers and make vaccines as accessible as possible."