RIPTA launches year-long free bus service on route out of Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority announced on Thursday that one of it’s most frequent routes will be providing free bus service for a year.

The pilot program will offer free fare on the R-Line, which connects Providence to Pawtucket, effective immediately.

Gov. Dan McKee signed the state budget in June, that included $2.5 million to fund the program.

“The funding will be used to replace lost fare revenue, purchase Automatic Passenger Counters, perform a required FTA Title VI Analysis, and prepare an evaluation report to the General Assembly,” said Public Transportation Authority in a release.

Earlier this year, RIPTA launched a “Ride Free Central Falls” pilot program.