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Flex service expands RIPTA expands Flex On Demand service to northern Aquidneck Island Flex service expands

Newport Daily News

RIPTA expands Flex On Demand service to northern Aquidneck Island

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority announced the expansion of Flex On Demand service within the 231 Flex Zone to northern Aquidneck Island. The expansion strengthens access to jobs and enhances transportation options for residents, commuters and visitors in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth.

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.

The 231 Flex Zone, which serves Newport and Middletown, operates Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The Flex Zone pilot expansion on Aquidneck Island, available April 29 through June 30, 2026, will expand the zone to include major employers like Raytheon and Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) as well as residential properties such as West House.

Group standing in front of a Flex van. From left to right: Erin Donovan-Boyle, President & CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce; Christopher Durand, RIPTA CEO; Senator Louis P. DiPalma; Senator Dawn Euer; Representative Terri Cortvriend; and Mary A. McDowell, Portsmouth Town Council.
Group standing in front of a Flex van. From left to right: Erin Donovan-Boyle, President & CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce; Christopher Durand, RIPTA CEO; Senator Louis P. DiPalma; Senator Dawn Euer; Representative Terri Cortvriend; and Mary A. McDowell, Portsmouth Town Council.

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 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The cost for a one-way trip is $2, the same as RIPTA’s fixed-route bus service. All Flex vans are equipped with wheelchair-accessible features to accommodate passengers with limited mobility. First-time users can also receive a free one-way trip by entering the promo code “FLEXME” in the Flex On Demand app (limit one per account) now through May 31, 2026.

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