Fare collection updates: Monroe County, N.Y., RIPTA

Monroe County, N.Y., and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) are each launching programs to help those in low-income/disadvantaged populations be able to afford and have easy access to fare products.

Monroe County 

Monroe County is launching a pilot program in partnership with the New York State Office of Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the Rochester Regional Transit Service (RTS) that enables eligible residents to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to access public transportation. 

“Access to transportation is a key driver of opportunity and success in Monroe County. With this program, we are breaking down barriers, making public transportation more accessible and convenient for residents – without the stress of lost or misplaced bus passes,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “I am grateful for this first of its kind collaboration among our [Department of Human Services] team, RTS and OTDA. Together, we are advancing technology and streamlining transit services for our residents.” 

 The program allows eligible individuals to swipe or tap their EBT card at the fare box on RTS Connect buses. Eligible participants will no longer need to carry a separate bus pass or wait for a pass to be mailed to them. Those enrolled in the pilot can use their EBT cards for transportation to get to medical appointments, behavioral health treatment, job training, apprenticeships and to their jobs.

“This pilot program is yet another example of how Monroe County is working to bring services directly to our residents, meeting them where they are,” said Commissioner of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Thalia Wright. “Historically, many of our clients who rely on temporary assistance have needed a separate bus pass to access transportation for medical care, job training, apprenticeships or work. With this new pilot program, the goal is clear: break down barriers and streamline essential services. It’s about making government work for the people—using innovation and collaboration to deliver convenient, more efficient services.” 

“One of our primary areas of focus at RTS is to foster strategic partnerships that help us utilize the public transit system to address some of the most pressing needs in our community,” said RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez. “The RTS team is proud of the long-standing partnership we have with Monroe County and New York State to open-up access to critical destinations and services for the people in this community most in need. By building on that partnership and leveraging our strong record of innovation, we are able to improve this important program and make it easier for our customers to get where they need to go. I thank County Executive Bello, Commissioner Wright, the team at OTDA and everyone at RTS for making this possible.” 

Monroe County notes the program saves taxpayer money by reducing the potential for lost or stolen paper bus passes, fraud and abuse. Transportation allowances will be added to the EBT card that is already being used for cash benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Individuals must be deemed eligible by New York State and Monroe County DHS to use their EBT cards for bus fares.  

According to Monroe County, around 200 residents that are eligible for monthly bus passes are currently using the program. Monroe County plans to launch the full program that will expand to those eligible for daily RTS bus passes by the end of the year. 

RIPTA 

RIPTA is partnering with Pennrose, the developer of Parcel 9 in Providence, R.I.’s, Fox Point neighborhood, in a collaborative effort to enhance public transportation access for residents of affordable housing. Pennrose has committed to purchasing one year of fare products for eligible residents at the new development located at 55 George M. Cohan Blvd in Providence. RIPTA notes this is the first time a developer has partnered with the agency to provide fare products to its affordable housing residents. 

The initiative underscores RIPTA’s commitment to supporting the community and ensuring that all residents have reliable and affordable transportation options through public-private partnerships. The fare products, valued at approximately $12,600, will be provided to residents whose households earn at or below 50 percent of the area’s median income. 

“We are excited to collaborate with Pennrose on this important initiative,” said Christopher Durand, interim CEO, RIPTA. “Affordable public transit is essential to the health and vitality of our community and this partnership will significantly impact residents’ lives. We believe this collaboration can serve as a blueprint for future development projects.” 

“The Providence Redevelopment Agency is thrilled to partner with Pennrose to bring much-needed affordable housing to the Providence market,” said City of Providence’s Executive Director of Planning Joseph I. Mulligan, III. “We are also pleased that residents and visitors to the area will be served by new transportation infrastructure investment, which will help advance the city’s improved connectivity and decarbonization goals.”  

The I-195 District Redevelopment Commission selected Pennrose in October 2020 to develop Parcel 9 in Providence’s Fox Point neighborhood, creating a mixed-use, mixed-income community. The project will feature 127 residential units, a Head Start childcare facility and commercial spaces, providing access to jobs, transit and amenities. 

As part of the partnership, RIPTA will be installing a new bus shelter at 410 South Main St. in Providence. The shelter will serve residents of the new building and the broader community, providing a safe and comfortable space for passengers. The bus shelter, which will include seating, lighting and wayfinding amenities, is scheduled for installation later this year. 

“Pennrose is proud to partner with RIPTA and provide residents with safer, more affordable transit options,” said Charlie Adams, Pennrose regional vice president, New England. “Our agreement – for Pennrose to fund a year of RIPTA passes for eligible residents and RIPTA to build a new bus shelter adjacent to the site – will provide future Tempo residents and staff, as well as families and Children’s Friend staff commuting to the new childcare facility, with a convenient and protected bus stop. We think this will make Tempo a better, more sustainable and more connected place to live. We hope that our commitment will inspire other multi-family owners to do the same.” 

“By working together to expand bus access and cover resident fare costs, Pennrose and RIPTA are not just meeting the basic needs of residents, but encouraging the use of public transportation, exemplifying a true transit-oriented development,” said Executive Director of RIHousing Carol Ventura. “Affordability encompasses much more than just the cost to lease an apartment – it is numerous factors working together, like the consideration of transit or the energy efficient measures integrated into the building. We look forward to continuing to fund and support developments that leverage partnerships to offer sustainable, accessible, affordable homes to Rhode Islanders.”