RIPTA Extends 231 Flex On Demand Pilot on Northern Aquidneck Island Through December 2026
Service Originally Set to End in June Will Continue Through End of Year, Expanding Transit Access for Commuters and Major Employers
FLEX VAN AT INNOVATE
Newport, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced today that the pilot expansion of Flex On Demand service within the 231 Flex Zone to northern Aquidneck Island will be extended through December 31, 2026. The pilot, which launched on April 29, 2026, and expanded Flex Service to Northern Aquidneck Island, was originally scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2026. The pilot will continue serving Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth residents, commuters, and visitors for the remainder of the year.
Flex On Demand offers on-demand public transit within designated Flex Zones. Similar to popular rideshare options, passengers can request a ride using a smartphone app that provides estimated pick-up times, real-time ride tracking, and arrival alerts. This service is fully ADA-accessible, offers curb-to-curb transportation, and—unlike many rideshare services—has no surge pricing.
“Extending the pilot through December gives us a fuller picture of seasonal travel patterns, helps us better understand commuter needs, and allows us to make more informed, data-driven decisions about the long-term future of this service,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer.
The 231 Flex Zone, which serves Newport and Middletown, operates Monday through Friday from 6:45 AM to 5:15 PM and Saturdays from 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM. The Flex Zone pilot expansion on Aquidneck Island, available now through December 31, 2026, expands the zone to include major employers like Raytheon and Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) as well as residential properties such as West House.
Passengers can download the Flex On Demand app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Those without smartphones can schedule rides by calling 401-784-9500 ext. 1220 on weekdays between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
The cost for a one-way trip is $2.00, the same as RIPTA’s fixed-route bus service. All Flex vans are equipped with wheelchair-accessible features to accommodate passengers with limited mobility.
Flex On Demand leverages existing drivers and vans within current Flex Zones, allowing RIPTA to gauge rider demand while strengthening connections to its fixed-route network. This innovative pilot enables RIPTA to evaluate travel patterns, identify service gaps, and make data-driven decisions that enhance mobility with current resources. By integrating on-demand service with the existing fixed-route system, RIPTA is expanding access, improving first- and last-mile connections, and delivering a more flexible and responsive transit experience for riders.
Bus Buddy
First-time Flex On Demand riders can take advantage of Bus Buddy, a free program designed to help customers navigate public transit with confidence. Whether someone is riding for the first time, returning after a break, or learning a new route, the program pairs riders with a RIPTA staff member who provides step-by-step guidance.
About Flex Service
Designed for rural and suburban communities, Flex provides convenient, affordable transportation within a community and the opportunity to make seamless connections to other locations in the state. Flex Service was first introduced in November 2000 when the Narragansett Flex Zone became operational.
Microtransit is defined as a “technology-enabled service that uses multi-passenger vehicles to provide on-demand services with dynamically generated routing,” by the Federal Transit Administration.
For more information, including maps of each Flex Zone, visit RIPTA.com/FlexOnDemand or call 401-794-9500 ext.2012.