A RIPTA employee standing in front of a RIPTA bus holds a clipboard featuring the Bus Buddy logo. Photo: RIPTAThe Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) launched Bus Buddy, a free program designed to make navigating public transit easier for new riders. Whether someone is taking the bus for the first time, returning after a break, or learning a new route, the Bus Buddy program pairs them with a RIPTA staff member who will ride alongside and provide step-by-step guidance. A Bus Buddy can help with:Planning a trip and reading the schedule. “We recognize that using public transit can feel intimidating, which is why we launched Bus Buddy,” said Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand.