Free “Hop-On Hop-Off” RIPTA service. Photo provided by RIPTA

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s free Hop-On Hop-Off bus service in Newport concludes Friday, Oct. 31, following a successful summer and fall season.

The complimentary service, funded by Discover Newport and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, provided transportation to popular tourist destinations and beaches on Route 67 (Bellevue/Salve Regina University) and Route 68 (CCRI/Memorial Boulevard/First Beach).

Beginning Saturday, Nov. 1, passengers will be required to pay full fare on Routes 67 and 68.

The RIPTA customer service kiosk at the Newport Transportation Center, which opened for the promotion, will remain open daily through Dec. 31. Public restrooms at the transportation center, located at 23 America’s Cup Ave., will also stay open daily from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. through year’s end.

The facilities will remain available throughout the holiday season to serve visitors and residents.

For more information on Newport bus service, call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com/Newport.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...