RIPTA Fees Waived For Aquidneck Residents During Gas Outage

NEWPORT, RI -- Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Wednesday that Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is waiving fares for passengers affected by Newport's gas outage in an effort to help people get to warming shelters.

"My number one priority continues to be public safety, and waiving RIPTA fares will help residents safely access critical services during this outage," Raimondo said in a press release. "We have set up meal locations in Newport and National Grid continues to provide vouchers for hotels. Even with the slightly higher temperatures today, homes that have been without heat since Monday are too cold to be safe. Residents should seek alternate shelter if they haven't already. "

Much of Newport has been without gas service since Monday night, when National Grid was forced to cut service to over 7,000 customers.

"During this time, we don't want transportation to be a barrier for Aquidneck Island residents as they try to get to warming shelters, meal sites, medical appointments and more," said RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian. "RIPTA can provide them with a warm, safe ride to where they need to go. This is about being there to help a community. Our main intent is to help people who are trying to get to services they need."

RIPTA has five routes and one Flex Service that offers service on Aquidneck Island; Routes 14, 60, 63, 64, 67 and Flex Zone Route 231.

RIPTA officials are monitoring the situation and have not yet determined how long the fares will be waived. Passengers are encouraged to check the Services Alerts pages as well as social media for the latest updates.