Free ‘hop-on, hop-off’ bus service returns to Newport for the summer

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The “hop-on, hop-off” bus service will return to Newport for the summer.

Mayor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong joined city leaders and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority officials Thursday at the Newport Transportation Center to announce the second year of the program.

“Thousands of people come to Newport each year to enjoy all the City by the Sea has to offer,” RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian said. “This complimentary ‘hop-on hop-off’ service encourages visitors to leave their cars behind and use public transit to see all of Newport’s attractions, thus alleviating traffic congestion during the peak tourist season, while also reducing carbon emissions.”

The transportation service goes to popular beaches and tourist destinations starting Friday.

“I grew up riding RIPTA down to Newport and have remained an avid rider ever since,” Khamsyvoravong said. “To improve traffic, mobility and equity in Newport we need to build public transit partnerships like the ones we are proud to continue with these routes.”

The “hop-on, hop-off” bus service has stops on Route 67, including Bellevue Avenue and Salve Regina University, and Route 68, including the Community College of Rhode Island campus and First Beach.

The service will be free through Tuesday, Oct. 31. The Route 68 stops will be free beginning June 17.