RIPTA announces transition to smart fare technology

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Rhode Island buses are making the shift from paper fare products to their latest smart fare technology, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority announced Monday.

Starting January 15, paper fare will no longer be accepted on buses. This includes monthly passes, day passes, seven-day passes, and 10-ride passes.

Wave, RIPTA’s smart fare collection system, was launched in September 2020.

Coming into effect, passengers will have the option to pay their bus fare with either a reloadable smart card or the new mobile app.

Passengers can trade in any old paper fare products by creating a Wave account and filling out a form.

Cash payments will still be accepted on buses but only exact payment.

“With our Wave system, our passengers can purchase just what they need, when they need it, and board our buses in a safe and contactless manner, using their Wave card or the mobile app,” said Greg Nordin, RIPTA’s Chief of Strategic Advancement.

“Eliminating the need to print transfers and change cards will help our system run more efficiently, “Nordin said.