The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is encouraging Rhode Islanders to leave their cars at home for the daily trip to work, catching a flight, or a visit to the capital city by making in-state travel free on trains between Wickford Junction, T.F. Green and Providence stations.
RIDOT is making commuter rail service free for a limited time, beginning on July 3 and running through the end of the year. The promotion will raise awareness of this convenient transit service, encouraging more people to use the train instead of the busy Route 4 highway corridor and the subsequent challenges of driving into and parking in Providence.
“Rhode Island ranks on the bottom when it comes to the percentage of travelers who use transit as opposed to cars, yet we have the infrastructure and train service to make it easy for people to get around our state without a car,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said. “Making it free for a period of time will make more people aware of this great service and provide them an opportunity try it and use it on a regular basis.”
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.
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.