Americans With Disabilities Act Transit Program
For ADA application, please scroll down. Public transportation should be available to everyone.
To serve individuals with disabilities who are unable to use regular bus service, RIPTA provides ADA Paratransit Services through the RIde Program, which RIPTA coordinates and manages statewide.
If you have a disability that prevents you from using RIPTA's regular bus service, you may be eligible for our ADA Paratransit Services.
Who Is Eligible?
- Anyone whose disability prevents the use of a regular wheelchair-lift equipped bus.
- Anyone whose disability or specific impairment prevents travel to or from bus stops.
- Anyone with a disability who requires the assistance of a lift equipped bus when an accessible bus is not reasonably available.
- For more information on this program or to obtain an eligibility application, contact the RIPTA ADA Coordinator at (401) 784-9553, TDD RI Relay at 1-800-745-5555 or 711.
- Applicants will be notified of their eligibility within 21 days of submitting the completed application.
- If determined eligible for RIPTA Paratransit Services, you will be notified and issued a special identification card, which should be carried with you at all times when utilizing RIPTA transportation services. Your paratransit identification card will indicate the level of service for which you are qualified.
- You may appeal the decision and/or take advantage of other reduced fare programs on RIPTA's fixed route system.
- Service is available along existing transit corridors to eligible individuals throughout Rhode Island.
- First, you must be registered for the RIde program. If you are a senior citizen, fill out an application and submit it to our office. You may also call us and register by telephone. If you are an ADA customer, you must register through RIPTA.
- To schedule a ride, call the RIde Program as soon as possible - space is limited! Be prepared to relay necessary information to the reservationist, such as your name and the exact address of your destination.
- DEA general medical trips are on a first call, first serve basis. Please make your reservations as early as possible.
461-9760 or 1-800-479-6902
The ADA application is provided in pdf form for your convenience. You may download it and print it. After completing the application, please follow directions for mailing it to RIPTA's ADA Coordinator. If you have any questions or need help filling in the application, please call RIPTA's ADA Coordinator at 784-9500, ext. 153.
Please note that portable oxygen tanks are allowed on ADA trips.
Application for RIPTA ADA Paratransit Service Certification (238K)
RIde Program Brochure [PDF]