RIPTA’s Summer Service Changes Effective Saturday, June 20, 2026
SATURDAY JUNE 20, 2026
Express Beach Bus Returns for the Season
Providence, Rhode Island…The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will implement summer service changes effective Saturday, June 20, 2026. RIPTA makes regular service adjustments three times a year in response to seasonal changes and/or passenger use. RIPTA will make changes to Routes 23, 65x, and 67. Additionally, Flex On Demand will launch in Flex Zones 281 and 282 starting June 22, 2026.
Summer 2026 Seasonal Service Changes
These annual seasonal changes include the start of select summer services, such as the return of free shuttle service to the Providence/Newport ferry and increased frequency on Route 67 (Bellevue/Mansions). Route 67 and Route 68 (CCRI Newport/Memorial Blvd./First Beach) will be free for passengers through October 31, 2026, courtesy of Discover Newport and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. Visit RIPTA.com/Newport to learn more.
Express Weekend Service to South County Beaches Available July 4 – August 23
Starting Saturday, July 4, the South County Express Beach Bus returns for the summer season with express service from Central Falls, Cranston, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket to South County beaches. The Express Beach Bus runs on weekends and holidays only to Salty Brine (Galilee), Roger Wheeler (Sand Hill Cove) and Scarborough beaches. The fare for these express trips will be the regular bus fare of $2.00 one-way. Click here for the Express Beach Bus schedule.
RIPTA reminds passengers that there is service on Route 69 (Narragansett/Galilee) running Monday through Saturday to the beach. Passengers traveling from Providence can ride Route 66 to URI, where the route turns into Route 69 for a seamless connection to the beach. For more information on RIPTA routes that offer access to some of Rhode Island’s beaches, visit RIPTA.com/BeachService.
The following routes will be affected by summer service changes:
Route 23 (Arctic/Crompton/Centre of New England)
Minor trip time changes to improve on-time performance.
Route 65x (Wakefield Park & Ride)
Weekday morning Inbound and afternoon Outbound trips were adjusted from 6:25 AM to 6:30 AM and from 5:15 PM to 4:38 PM, respectively, based on feedback collected through a passenger survey.
Route 67 (Bellevue/Salve Regina Univ.)
Service has been increased to operate every 20 minutes all day on weekdays and every 15 minutes all day on weekends and holidays.
Flex 281 (Woonsocket/Manville)
Starting Monday, June 22, 2026, Flex 281 users will be able to book trips within the 281 and 282 zones using the Flex On Demand mobile app.
Flex 282 (Pascoag/Slatersville)
Starting Monday, June 22, 2026, Flex 282 users will be able to book trips within the 281 and 282 zones using the Flex On Demand mobile app.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to check new schedules for how service changes may affect them. For schedules and more information, passengers may call 401-781-9400 or visit www.RIPTA.com.