FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Cassandra Earle
Communication Director
401-845-9112
CEarle@DiscoverNewport.org
Free Newport Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Returns May 23
Discover Newport & RIPTA Announce the 2025 Season Following a Record Number of Ridership
Newport, RI (May 22, 2025) - Discover Newport and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announce the free hop-on hop-off trolley service, RIPTA Route 67, will return again for the 2025 season. This year marks the fourth year of the partnership between both organizations that has brought the free trolley service to Newport. Route 67 offers a free hop-on-hop off service from May 23 to October 31, 2025 and includes Bellevue Avenue, Memorial Boulevard and Salve Regina University, with stops at the Cliff Walk, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Audrain Auto Museum, the Newport Mansions and more.
Used by both locals and visitors, Route 67 saw record numbers in 2024 garnering over 178,000 passengers, which was more than a 12% increase in ridership from 2023. In addition, this program offers discounted parking, currently $5.00 a day, at the Newport Transportation Center for those who park at the lot and show a trolley voucher from that day, received from the trolley driver. Over 6,800 parking vouchers were redeemed during the 2024 season, showcasing the impact this program has on diverting cars from the roads.
“We are thrilled to partner once again with RIPTA,” said Victoria Cimino, president & CEO of Discover Newport. "The success of this program illustrates the interest from both visitors and locals alike when it comes to alternative ways of transportation. By providing an easy and sustainable option to get around the city we are able to help divert cars from the road during the busy summer and fall seasons.”
In addition to the free seasonal service on Route 67, RIPTA and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island are pleased to announce the return of the free service on Route 68. This route will travel from Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Newport, to the Middletown Department of Human Services, stopping at the Newport Transportation Center and First Beach.
“We’re deeply grateful to Discover Newport and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island for their continued partnership and generous sponsorship, which make this Hop-On Hop-Off service possible,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “This program significantly reduces traffic congestion, supports local tourism, and provides accessible transit for tourists, as well as residents living and working in Newport.”
“I am delighted that the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island is able to again help the Newport community this summer through our sponsorship of this program. Making it easier for visitors to leave their cars behind while they tour the city helps improve the experience for everyone. It helps us set an example of being good citizens in our changing climate. And it allows people in Newport to have full access to the things that make summertime in Rhode Island so spectacular,” stated Bishop Knisely of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.
In partnership between The City of Newport, Discover Newport and RIPTA the public bathrooms at the Transportation Center, located at 23 America's Cup Avenue, Newport will open May 23 for daily use from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., through December 31, 2025.
For the most up-to-date destination updates visit DiscoverNewport.org. For route details and schedules please visit RIPTA.com.
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About Discover Newport
Discover Newport is the official destination management organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the eight surrounding coastal townships in Newport and Bristol counties, Rhode Island. These include Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Warren. As a non-profit organization, Discover Newport partners with stakeholders throughout our tourism and hospitality industry to market the region as a premier destination for business and leisure travel. Learn more at DiscoverNewport.org.
About RIPTA
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s mission is to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective transit service with a skilled team of professionals responsive to our customers, the environment, and committed to transit excellence. Learn more at RITPA.com.
About the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island
The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island is a gathering of the 52 Episcopal churches in Rhode Island, served by the bishop, the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, and his staff who support congregations as they carry out their mission and ministries. They provide resources and educational opportunities to encourage spiritual development and outreach in the churches of this diocese, as well as in the greater community.
