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4/29/2026
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RIPTA, state, and local leaders celebrate pilot expansion of 231 Flex On Demand service to northern Aquidneck Island
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Pilot supports commuters and major employers like Raytheon and NUWC; Service available April 29 through June 30, 2026
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Louis P. DiPalma and Rep. Terri Cortvriend joined Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) officials today to announce 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.
“Residents of Aquidneck Island, and all Rhode Islanders, deserve a strong public transportation system that truly meets their needs,” said Senator DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton). “This issue really matters for countless individuals and families, and it’s important for the health of our communities and our economy. I am grateful for the pilot expansion of the 231 Flex On Demand service, which demonstrates how we can meet the evolving needs of transit riders through adaptation, innovation, and a data-driven approach.”
"Expanding Flex On Demand Service to the North End of Newport is about connecting people to opportunity- whether it's getting to work, accessing services or staying connected to the community,” said Representative Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown). This is a modern, affordable, and accessible transit solution that meets people where they are and reflects RIPTA's commitment to building a more flexible, resilient transportation system for Rhode Island."
“Flex on Demand service will better connect people to work and help employers meet their workforce needs,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “Operationally, Flex On Demand gives RIPTA the ability to identify commuting patterns, respond to real-time demand, and partner with employers to deliver service that supports their employees. We’re using this pilot to better understand travel trends and ensure our service is aligned with where and when people need to get to work.”
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 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.
“The Flex on Demand program from RIPTA is precisely what the Greater Newport Region needs for affordable and convenient inter-island transportation,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, President & CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. “This is important not only for commuting to and from work, but also to enable business leaders and employees to travel to and from meetings that take place throughout the work day. This accessibility and convenience will go a long way in keeping more cars off the roadways, eliminate time searching for parking, and helping our community do its part to both cut emissions and reduce burden on our infrastructure.”
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. 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.
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, contact:
Legislative Press Bureau,
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457
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