Should RIPTA be free for riders? Some legislators think so -- and a likely gubernatorial candidate. Should public transportation be free in Rhode Island? Cities across the world have eliminated rider fees on buses and trolleys and now a number in the United States are considering the same. Now, Senator Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence) and Rep. Leonela “Leo” Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket) have introduced legislation that would provide free transportation on Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends 25.9 minutes a day traveling to work one way — that adds up to just over four hours every week spent in transit for work.