RIPTA launches free transit pilot programme using geofencing technology

Under the ‘Ride Free in Central Falls’ pilot programme, RIPTA will use software to create a geofence – or virtual boundary which uses cellular networks and other technologies to define a specific area – around the city of Central Falls. The software will communicate with RIPTA’s Wave smart fare technology, which will identify when a passenger is boarding in the city with a Wave smartcard or mobile app and automatically knows to waive the fare. The pilot will offer free fare for trips that only start in Central Falls, as it has been identified as an ideal test region by RIPTA officials, due to its high population density, despite being a small geographic area.