RIPTA Expands Flex On Demand Pilot Service to Pascoag, Slatersville, Woonsocket, and Manville
Travel On Your Terms with RIPTA’s Innovative Flex On Demand Mobile App
Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) expanded its Flex On Demand microtransit pilot program on Monday, June 22, 2026, to serve Pascoag, Slatersville, Woonsocket, and Manville.
The pilot, called Flex On Demand, was first launched in August 2024 in the 203 Flex Zone, which includes Narragansett and South Kingstown. This innovative service brings the convenience of rideshare technology to public transportation, allowing passengers to book trips from anywhere within the service area.
Flex On Demand is now available in the following zones:
203 Flex (URI/Narragansett/South Kingstown): Monday – Friday, 5:45 AM – 6:30 PM; Weekends and Holidays, 10 AM – 5 PM
204 Flex (Westerly): Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM; no weekend or holiday service
231 Flex (Newport/Middletown): Monday – Friday, 6:45 AM – 5:15 PM; Saturday, 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM; no Sunday or holiday service
242 Flex (West Warwick/Coventry): Monday – Friday, 6:15 AM – 6:30 PM; no weekend or holiday service
281 Flex (Woonsocket/Manville): Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 7:40 PM; no weekend or holiday service
282 Flex (Pascoag/Slatersville): Monday – Friday, 8:45 AM – 5:20 PM; no weekend or holiday service
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.
Similar to popular rideshare options, Flex On Demand offers on-demand public transit within designated Flex Zones. 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.
Flex On Demand leverages existing drivers and vans within current Flex Zones, allowing RIPTA to gauge rider demand, 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 and improving first- and last-mile connections, ultimately delivering a more flexible and responsive transit experience for riders.
RIPTA is offering the first Flex On Demand ride free with promo code “FLEX281” or “FLEX282,” depending on the zone. Riders can redeem the promo code in the Flex On Demand app after creating an account. Limit one (1) free ride per account. Promo codes are valid through July 31, 2026.
The shared service allows customers to easily book trips using the Flex On Demand mobile app, available for download from both the Apple iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Passengers who do not have a smartphone can call a Flex reservationist on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at 401-784-9500, ext. 1220 to schedule their ride.
Elimination of Timepoint Stops (Scheduled Stops) for Flex 282
As of June 22, RIPTA has eliminated timepoint stops for Flex 282. Riders will need to reserve a trip in the app or call a Flex reservationist at 401-784-9500 x1220 to schedule their ride.
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.
Bus Buddies meet riders at the bus stop closest to their home and assist with trip planning, fare payment, and knowing when to exit. This one-on-one experience helps reduce the stress of learning how to ride public transit and supports new Flex users. Staff are also available to answer questions ahead of scheduled trips.
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.