Newport’s Route 67 trolly will be fare-free beginning May 26 and ends Oct. 31. (Photo courtesy of RIPTA)
Free “hop-on, hop-off” trolley service will return to Newport for the summer starting Friday, May 26, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has announced.
The service covers RIPTA’s Route 67, which provides transportation to a number of the city’s tourist destinations — including mansions, the Cliff Walk, Audrain Automobile Museum, and International Tennis Hall of Fame — and the recently added Route 68, which connects Newport’s North End to the city’s beaches.
Trolley service is funded by Discover Newport and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.
“This exciting partnership is a creative solution to help alleviate traffic congestion during the peak tourist season, while also benefiting the local community,” RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian said in a statement.
Passengers can hop on and off at RIPTA bus stops along Route 67 and, starting June 17, Route 68, at no charge. Service runs through Oct. 31. Last year, RIPTA reported over 180,000 passenger trips on the two routes.
Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong welcomed the return of the free fares.
“I grew up riding RIPTA down to Newport and have remained an avid rider ever since,” he said. “To improve traffic, mobility and equity in Newport we need to build public transit partnerships like the ones we are proud to continue with these routes.”
Information on the free routes can be found at the Newport Visitor Information Center located at 21 Long Wharf Mall, or on the RIPTA website.
RIPTA today announced the return of its popular, free “Hop-on Hop-Off” bus service promotion for Summer 2023. The service, made possible with community partners, begins Friday, May 26, 2023. For details: https://t.co/aCVjOS4vPk pic.twitter.com/NY7vdC1c4n
— RIPTA (@RIPTA_RI) May 25, 2023
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