The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a yearlong series of events, highlighting initiatives aimed at improving service, expanding mobility options, and strengthening the agency's long-term financial sustainability.

Founded in 1966, RIPTA now provides more than 42,000 passenger trips each day, connecting Rhode Islanders to jobs, schools, healthcare, and other destinations across the state.

As part of its anniversary, the agency is spotlighting several ongoing initiatives, including its Wave to Work employer transit benefits program, service alignment with workplace schedules at Quonset Business Park, Flex On Demand pilot services on Aquidneck Island and in Woonsocket, and the Metro Connector Study, which is evaluating opportunities to provide faster, more frequent and more reliable transit service throughout metropolitan Providence using federal grant funding.

RIPTA also said it is continuing to evaluate service improvements, enhance the passenger experience, and explore innovative mobility options designed to attract and retain riders.

"For six decades, RIPTA has played a critical role in the daily lives of Rhode Islanders," said Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. "Moving over 42,000 people daily would not be possible without our employees, state leaders, and community partners who have shaped RIPTA's history. We are proud of how far we've come, and we're excited about the future of public transit in our state."

The agency's anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year with employee appreciation events, an open house at RIPTA headquarters, a documentary screening on the authority's history, and additional public programming.

"This anniversary is about more than looking back," Durand said. "It is about recognizing the people who built RIPTA, celebrating the employees and riders who keep it moving today, and sharing a vision for what comes next. We are working to create a stronger transit system that supports our economy, serves our communities, and delivers better service for Rhode Islanders."