The Miriam Hospital Becomes First to Join RIPTA’s Wave to Work Commuter Benefits Program
The Miriam Hospital pilots a program to provide free monthly bus passes for employees in its support services department
Miriam 1: (left to right): Dave Britland CHFM,CHC, The Miriam Hospital director of facilities operations & support services, Brown University Health; Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president, The Miriam Hospital and chief quality executive, Brown University Health; Deputy Majority Whip Sue AnderBois (Ward 3); and Christopher Durand, RIPTA chief executive officer.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced that The Miriam Hospital is participating in RIPTA’s Wave to Work commuter benefits program. The Miriam Hospital is the first healthcare facility in the state to offer commuter benefits to its employees through Wave to Work.
“Access to reliable public transportation is about more than just getting to work, it’s about connecting Rhode Islanders to the opportunities they deserve,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “The Miriam Hospital’s decision to fully subsidize transit passes is an example of how employers can invest in their workforce, reduce environmental impact, and ease parking demands all at once. We’re proud to be part of a system that supports both workforce mobility and public health access. As our state takes bold steps to address the primary care crisis and invest in healthcare, improving transit access is a critical part of the solution.”
To encourage employees to use public transportation instead of driving, The Miriam Hospital will begin a pilot program to fully subsidizing monthly transit passes for hospital employees in the Support Service Department starting this month. This department includes more than 200 employees who work in Environmental Services, Facilities, Transport, Laundry, and Distribution. The pilot program offers a financial benefit to staff while promoting a healthier, more sustainable mode of transportation and helping to reduce on-site parking demand.
“The Miriam Hospital recognizes that reliable and affordable transportation is essential for our employees. The Wave to Work bus pass program empowers our staff to commute with ease, reducing financial burdens and supporting their well-being. By participating in this initiative, we’re not only enhancing access to the workplace, but also contributing to a more sustainable and connected Rhode Island” stated Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president, The Miriam Hospital and chief quality executive, Brown University Health.
The Miriam Hospital is ranked first among Rhode Island Hospitals by US News &World Report’s 2024 to 2025 rankings.
“I want to thank Councilor Sue AnderBois for helping to connect us with Miriam Hospital to make this partnership possible,” Durand added.
“This new partnership between The Miriam Hospital and RIPTA not only encourages people to leave cars out of their commute, it helps create a more resilient and connected community,” said Deputy Majority Whip Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), who helped facilitate the partnership. “In Ward 3 and beyond, I will continue to champion public transportation as a reliable tool that helps reduce our climate impact and supports our neighbors to get where they need to go.”
RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand shakes hands with Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president, The Miriam Hospital and chief quality executive, Brown University Health
Wave to Work allows employers to offer their employees a benefit that has a positive impact on both the environment and their bottom line. Employers can choose to subsidize part or all of their employees’ public transportation costs. Additionally, employers can offer a pre-tax payroll deduction for employers to use pre-tax dollars toward their transit fare.
Participants receive Wave smart cards so that they can tap a card reader when boarding the bus. Administrative assistance and technical support are free. Multiple reports have cited the importance of providing transportation assistance in helping companies recruit qualified employees and markedly reduce turnover.
Employers who are interested in providing a transit benefit for their employees should contact RIPTA’s Commuter Resource RI team at commuter@ripta.com or by calling 401-784-9575.
For more information on RIPTA’s programs and services, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400.
Photos attached:
Miriam 1: (left to right): Dave Britland CHFM,CHC, The Miriam Hospital director of facilities operations & support services, Brown University Health; Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president, The Miriam Hospital and chief quality executive, Brown University Health; Deputy Majority Whip Sue AnderBois (Ward 3); and Christopher Durand, RIPTA chief executive officer.
Miriam 2: RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand shakes hands with Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president, The Miriam Hospital and chief quality executive, Brown University Health