The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) recently launched its “How to Ride RIPTA Workshop” series, created for the state’s senior community. Officials from RIPTA and AARP joined with Rep. Scott A. Slater (D-Providence) to kick off the series.

This free “How to Ride RIPTA Workshop” program, developed by AARP and RIPTA, was designed to empower the senior community to mobilize and remain independent.  Attendees of this travel training program received a free step-by-step “How to Ride Guide.” This guide contains information on how to read a bus schedule, fares, senior discounts and more. RIPTA photo ID staff will be on site to process senior/disabled bus passes for qualified applicants.

“Encouraging mobility among older Rhode Islanders is very high on AARP’s agenda,” said AARP State Director Kathleen Connell. “Getting out and about is good for people’s heath, but it also reduces isolation — which is something that takes its toll on many seniors. Getting more people to use public transportation begins with simply guiding some through those first tentative steps. We are very pleased to be working with RIPTA to educate the public and to promote the use of what is a very fine public transportation system.”

RIPTA offers a special bus pass program that provides reduced fare and no fare bus passes for qualified seniors and people with disabilities.