The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is continuing its RIde Anywhere Pilot Program, which expands transportation options for people with disabilities across the state.
Launched in January 2024, the program lets eligible Rhode Island residents request door-to-door service for locations in the state that fall outside the usual 3/4-mile radius of fixed bus routes.
“The RIde Anywhere Pilot Program has been instrumental in expanding transportation access for individuals with disabilities, and continuing it allows us to gather more data and further explore how we can better meet the needs of Rhode Islanders who cannot access our fixed-route service,” says Christopher Durand, Chief Executive Officer in a press release.
Since it began, the pilot has provided nearly 6,000 trips, including about 900 trips by new users and 4,900 by existing RIde customers, according to RIPTA. The total cost to RIPTA through November 30 was just over $333,000.
“This pilot program has provided crucial access for Rhode Islanders with disabilities to get to work, go to school, and engage in their communities,” says Senator Alana M. DiMario in the press release. “The pilot has also demonstrated the demand for public transit statewide. I appreciate the commitment of RIPTA to meeting this need by the continuation of this pilot and their ongoing work to integrate statewide paratransit access into their continuum of services permanently. I look forward to working with RIPTA and the advocates involved in this issue to meet that goal in the upcoming legislative session.”
The pilot builds on RIPTA’s existing RIde Paratransit Program, which offers service within 3/4-mile of fixed bus routes for people with disabilities who can’t use regular buses independently. The standard fare for these trips is $4 one-way.
Senate Finance Chairman Louis P. DiPalma calls the extension “a win for accessibility across Rhode Island” and thanks those who secured funding for the initiative.
“The extension of the RIde Anywhere Pilot Program is a victory for accessibility across Rhode Island. Ensuring all Rhode Islanders can easily connect with reliable, affordable transit options has so many benefits for our state, and as Senate Finance Chairman, I was proud to help secure funding for this pilot initiative,” says Senator DiPalma in the press release. I am grateful to the many Senate colleagues who have made this important issue a priority, as well as our colleagues in the House and our partners at RIPTA.”
RIPTA runs its own paratransit vehicles and employs a team including customer service reps, schedulers, dispatchers, and drivers. Approved taxi companies help out when needed.
The pilot program started after several state senators and representatives introduced legislation. RIPTA launched it with a self-funded budget of $500,000 and needs to submit a report to the General Assembly by June 1, 2025, outlining program results and recommendations.
For more info on the RIde Paratransit Program or the RIde Anywhere Pilot Program, call 401-461-9760 or email RIde@RIPTA.com.
