RIDOT offers free commute in hopes of boosting rail passengers

As of yesterday, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) began offering free in-state commuter rail trips between Providence, Wickford Junction and T.F Green stations through the end of the calendar year. RIDOT hopes the free service will raise awareness of the transit service, especially during winter, when traffic on Route 4 is at its busiest.

Use of the commuter rail service has been slow, said Charles St. Martin, Chief Public Affairs Officer of the RIDOT, during an interview yesterday.

With 10 round-trips a day between Warwick and Wickford (or 20 stops to Providence), the transit ridership is below the national average of 5.2 percent, with Rhode Island only having 2.9 percent. “We have the lowest rate of any state along the Northeast Corridor [Washington to Boston], said St. Martin, with about 300 people out of Wickford and 400 out of Warwick.”

Daily ridership from Providence is 3,000 daily, according to St. Martin.

Back on May 20, free trains were running to the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show. St. Martin said by that time people still did not know about the train. St. Martin said that one reason the ridership is significantly lower than expected (especially in Wickford) is because of the cost of gasoline.

“With gas prices so low, not just here but all over the country, transit rides drop with it. Another reason could be the failed launch of Transit Oriented Development in Wickford,” suggested St. Martin.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is being paid to provide the service for this promotion with federal money used for transit; this is expected to cost roughly $102,000.

The free travel is only to Providence, however, travelers wishing to continue to Boston may purchase tickets or use the ticketing app provided by the MBTA.

The trains have wifi and some have tables built into their interior for a more pleasant experience during a commute, St. Martin Said.

St. Martin sees the free rides as saving more than the $3.25 to $3.50 train fare to Providence. He noted that a commuter driving to Providence can expect to pay $15 to $20 for parking.

T.F. Green parking is $6.75 per day, $95 per month, and has a $30 surcharge after 24 hours from the time of entry, and for each 24 hour period after that.

Parking at Wickford Junction is free year-round, with a climate controlled indoor waiting area, electric car charging stations, vending machines and covered garage parking.

Morning departures for T.F. Green are 5 a.m., 6 a.m. and 6:50 a.m. Arriving in Providence at 5:25 a.m., 6:25 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. Evening return runs from Providence are at 5:37 p.m., 6:43 p.m., 8:01 p.m. and 11:11 p.m.

Wickford Junction Station is located at 1011 Ten Rod Road in North Kingstown. Providence Station is at 100 Gaspee St., Providence and T.F. Green Station is located at 700 Jefferson Blvd. in Warwick.

Further information regarding scheduling of the stations departures and arrivals can be found at www.RideTheRailsRi.com.