The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has extended its pilot expansion of Flex On Demand service to northern Aquidneck Island through Dec. 31.
The pilot, which launched April 29 and expanded Flex service to northern Aquidneck Island, was originally scheduled to end June 30. It will now continue serving Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth residents, commuters and visitors for the remainder of the year.
Flex On Demand offers on-demand public transit within designated Flex Zones. Similar to popular rideshare options, passengers can request a ride using a smartphone app that provides estimated pickup times, real-time tracking and arrival alerts. The service is fully ADA-accessible, offers curb-to-curb transportation and, unlike many rideshare services, has no surge pricing.
“Extending the pilot through December gives us a fuller picture of seasonal travel patterns, helps us better understand commuter needs, and allows us to make more informed, data-driven decisions about the long-term future of this service,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand.
The 231 Flex Zone, which serves Newport and Middletown, operates Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The pilot expansion adds major employers, including Raytheon and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, as well as residential properties such as West House.
The cost for a one-way trip is $2, the same as RIPTA’s fixed-route bus service, and all Flex vans are equipped with wheelchair-accessible features. Passengers can download the Flex On Demand app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Those without smartphones can schedule rides by calling 401-784-9500, ext. 1220, on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
RIPTA said the service leverages existing drivers and vans within current Flex Zones, allowing it to gauge rider demand while strengthening connections to its fixed-route network and improving first- and last-mile connections. First-time riders can also take advantage of Bus Buddy, a free program that pairs riders with a RIPTA staff member for step-by-step guidance in navigating public transit.
For more information, including maps of each Flex Zone, visit RIPTA.com/FlexOnDemand or call 401-794-9500, ext. 2012.
