New Agreement Allows RIC Students To Ride RIPTA Buses For Free

PROVIDENCE, RI — A new partnership between Rhode Island College and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will save student money heading in to the new school year. Under the agreement, students can ride all RIPTA buses for free with just their student ID.

According to a press release from RIPTA, nearly all colleges and universities across the state have agreements with the transit authority to provide free or reduced fares for students through the U-Pass program, which is funded by participating colleges and universities. Brown University has a very similar program to RIC's, with students able to ride buses at any time simply by swiping their ID.

Under the agreement, RIC students will have unlimited access to RIPTA buses, including nights, weekends and school vacations, serving approximately 7,700 undergraduate and graduate students.

"We are excited to welcome RIC into this popular program," said RIPTA's CEO Scott Avedisian. "This program allows college students to take advantage of the many desirable destinations in our state while providing access to off-campus jobs and connections to regional train and commuter rail service. It ensures that students are comfortable using public transit and will always have that as a safe, accessible form of transportation."

As part of the agreement, RIPTA will expand service on Route 55 (Admiral/Providence College) to RIC's main campus on Mount Pleasant Avenue. The campus is also reachable by Route 92, which runs between the college, Federal Hill and the East Side of Providence.

"Colleges and universities across the country are finding innovative ways to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of a college education. We recognize that for many of our students public transportation is an important service not only to attend college but also for day-to-day needs,” said Rhode Island College President Frank D. Sánchez. "Approximately 85 percent of our students commute to campus. Providing unlimited access to RIPTA will be a tremendous support for many students, that will also free up additional parking and reduce traffic congestion on campus. It will also provide benefits for our resident students, who will have a safe, reliable transportation option for exploring our city and state."