The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) ended its free “Hop-On Hop-Off” bus service promotion in Newport yesterday, October 31, 2024. The service, which ran for the summer season, provided free transportation to popular tourist destinations and beaches along Routes 67 (Bellevue/Salve Regina Univ.) and Route 68 (CCRI/Memorial Blvd./First Beach).
The promotion was funded by Discover Newport and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. Starting November 1, 2024, the full fare will apply on Routes 67 and 68.
Although the free service has ended, RIPTA’s Customer Service Kiosk in the Newport Transportation Center will remain open daily through December 31, 2024.
The Transportation Center’s public bathrooms, at 23 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, will stay open daily from 8 am to 4 pm through the year’s end. Originally scheduled to close on November 1, 2024, the bathrooms will remain open to accommodate visitors and residents during the holiday season. This decision is a result of support from Discover Newport, the City of Newport, and RIPTA.
Passengers can call 401-781-9400 or visit ripta.com/Newport for information on Newport bus service.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
