Student saves money by riding RIPTA

Who doesn't want to save money? Driving a car back and forth to work or school can break many people’s wallets. 

The Rhode Show met up with one college student who is jumping on RIPTA every day and keeping money in his pocket.

U.R.I student John Walsh is a regular on bus 66.

"I usually take the 66 from CCRI to URI. Walk to CCRI and then just catch the bus to school," said Walsh.

The bus gets him where he needs to go, and fast.

"The route itself is great, it's pretty quick, you know it's not that big of a deal. There are only a few stops until I get to where I need to be, so it's efficient and it works every day."

Riding the bus to school has become not only convenient but something Walsh said he needs to do.

"Really it was just out of necessity mostly, for school and really if I ever wanted to go anywhere I don't have a car, it really just mainly just to save a boat load of money, to be completely honest."

Not having the expense of a car and the head aches of its' up-keep is also a plus.

"The money I save is completely ridiculous compared to a lot of people who drive. I don't have to worry about car troubles or anything like that."

Saving money is the name of the game, and Walsh has taken full advantage of every service RIPTA has to offer".

"Honestly, the kinds of cars people my age have, where they want to have a car, they think I’m crazy. I think they're crazy for not taking the RIPTA."

He has also made friends along the way

"The actual first RIPTA driver I had, she was my favorite. She was this really small lady, she drove with a lot of enthusiasm, she was just a real maniac, but she was a great lady. And then the people I meet obviously are a pretty colorful crowd sometimes, but I like riding with all of them. So, it's great."

John submitted his video as part of the contest to get a free RIPTA pass for a year

"I was pretty happy, because I put a lot of effort into making the film I made. When I got the call I was happy, I was happy. You know I got a free pass, that was awesome too. More money saved, so that's good."

You can expect to see John Walsh riding the 66 bus even more.

"Everyday, yeah, and then sometimes on the weekend if need be, but it's mostly Monday, Wednesday, Friday, that's it."

If you want a chance to become “RIPTA’s Rider of the Month” and win a year pass to ride the bus you can head to RIPTA Rider of the Month.