Rhode Islanders can now participate in the Drive Less RI Challenge, a year-long initiative aimed at increasing bus ridership by encouraging residents to switch from single-occupancy car trips to more sustainable forms of travel. 

Powered by the new Drive Less RI app, the challenge encourages Rhode Islanders to walk, bike, carpool, vanpool, or take transit, and get rewarded for trips logged in the app.

Drive Less RI

Drive Less RI is a trip-planning and logging app that allows users to earn rewards by recording their use of public transportation, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, and biking. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, as well as desktop users.

As part of a year-long campaign, Drive Less RI will offer weekly and quarterly prize giveaways to users who log their green trips in the app. By walking, biking, carpooling, vanpooling, or taking transit, users are automatically entered to win prizes ranging from gift cards redeemable at local retailers to larger quarterly giveaways designed to keep Rhode Islanders motivated throughout the year.

Participants do not have to give up driving altogether to join the challenge and make a difference. Swapping out a single-occupancy vehicle trip each week in favor of a greener mode of transit can reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions — all while giving participants the chance to win weekly giveaways when they log their trips in the app, according to the agency.

The free Drive Less RI app makes it easy for users to track their trips, match with carpools, and view their environmental and financial impact, including the number of gallons of gas saved, CO₂ reduced, and money saved.

Helping New Riders

To help new riders, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA)’s Bus Buddy program is available as well. 

Bus Buddies are friendly RIPTA staff members who meet riders at their local bus stop and ride along with them, offering step-by-step guidance — from planning a trip and paying the fare to navigating transfers and knowing when to exit the bus. This free program makes it easier than ever for Rhode Islanders to start riding the bus with confidence and log their trips in the Drive Less RI app.

The Drive Less RI Challenge will continue through September 30, 2026, with ongoing events, social media engagement, and special promotions.

This challenge is funded by an allocation from RI’s proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative program and distributed by the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council pursuant to its FY2025 Spending Plan.