RIDE THE RAILS: RIDOT HOSTING KICKOFF EVENT FOR FREE COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is hosting a kickoff event next week on Monday, July 10 for its free commuter rail promotion – a chance for train riders to grab a cup of coffee and visit information booths detailing the many destinations, events and activities available at or near all stops with free service.
RIDOT is offering free in-state travel on the commuter rail from now through the end of this year on trains between Wickford Junction, T.F. Green and Providence stations. The service provides an opportunity to try transit, leaving the car at home for the daily trip to work, to catch a flight, or visit the capital city while avoiding the busy Route 4/I-95 highway corridor.
Free coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided by Brewed Awakenings for passengers taking the 7:45 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. trains from Wickford, as well as the 8 a.m. and 9:34 a.m. trains from T.F. Green. Media are invited to a brief speaking program at 9 a.m., including RIDOT Director Peter Alviti; North Kingstown Town Manager Ralph Mollis; Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian; and Kristin Urbach, Executive Director of the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce.
The following organizations will join RIDOT to celebrate the start of the service: Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce, South County Chamber of Commerce, the South County Tourism Council, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and the Rhode Island Association of Railroad Passengers.
Parking at Wickford Junction Station is free year-round. The facility – located minutes from Exit 5 on Route 4 in North Kingstown – includes covered garage parking, restrooms, a climate-controlled indoor waiting area, electric car charging stations and vending machines.
Wickford Junction and T.F. Green stations offer 20 weekday stops with service to Providence. The free travel is only to Providence, however travelers wishing to continue to Boston may purchase tickets on the train or through the MBTA’s mobile ticketing app on their smartphones. Travelers from points north need only purchase fare to Providence.
Information about the service with links for schedule, parking and more can be found at www.RideTheRailsRI.com
Wickford Junction Station is located at 1011 Ten Rod Road, in North Kingstown. T.F. Green Station is located at 700 Jefferson Blvd. in Warwick. Providence Station is located at 100 Gaspee St., Providence.