Commuter parking free at airport, Wickford station

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Commuter parking will be free at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick and Wickford Junction in North Kingstown for the rest of the winter.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced the parking will be free through March 29.

Commuters will be able to get validated tickets allowing them to leave the garages at the two stations at no charge.

The state has been trying to boost ridership on the commuter line, including from the Wickford station, which opened last year. South County commuters may ride free from the station on Wednesdays during the winter through Feb. 27.

Fares from Warwick and Wickford to Providence are $3 and $3.25 each way, respectively. Fares from the stations to Boston's South Station cost $10.50 and $11, respectively.