RIPTA launches pilot program testing technology’s effectiveness promoting transit use

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has launched a fare free pilot program that will use geofencing to support the project that will test the effectiveness of using technology to promote the use of transit.

RIPTA was one of 25 Accelerating Innovative Mobility grants from the Federal Transit Administration. The grants are designed to support the use of state-of-the-art technologies to improve transit services and options within communities. The grant awarded to RIPTA will collect ridership and other data to inform future fare incentive programs, both in Rhode Island and nationally.

The Ride Free in Central Falls pilot program uses software to communicate with RIPTA’s Wave smart fare technology to identify when a passenger is boarding in Central Falls with a Wave smart card or mobile app and automatically know to waive the fare. The “Ride Free in Central Falls” pilot will offer free fare for only those trips starting in Central Falls. Trips originating outside of Central Falls are required to pay the full fare.

RIPTA explains geofencing holds interest for the authority because it could open the door to targeted marketing partnerships that will increase use of public transportation. The technology could allow entities such as universities, business associations, or social service agencies to sponsor ridership in specific, limited areas.

“RIPTA is pleased to partner with Central Falls to test this new and evolving technology. We are excited to be able to offer free fares with Wave in Central Falls as part of this pilot. This program will field test technology that will have many uses for us and the statistical information we collect from this pilot will help us make informed decisions about future innovative services that are beneficial to our passengers,” said RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian.

RIPTA notes the small geographic area but high population density of Central Falls made it an ideal test area for the pilot program. During the one-year pilot, RIPTA will monitor the effectiveness of the pilot program closely by conducting surveys, focus groups and analyzing travel trends. The results of this pilot will help RIPTA shape future policy and program initiatives.

In addition to the AIM grant awarded RIPTA for the pilot program, the city of Central Falls is contributing approximately $50,000 to the project and RIPTA is contributing $11,000.

“We have many residents in our city that rely on public transportation, and I hope to see this RIPTA pilot program help ease the financial cost for our community relying on the bus daily,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “With easy access to RIPTA routes and now free starting rides in our city, I hope this also inspires other residents to take public transportation who don’t normally utilize RIPTA.”