For people who grew up with no public transportation besides the neighborhood carpool, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is a magical invention that, for less than the price of an Awful Awful, can whisk a broke college student all over this great state. But to consider RIPTA as just a means to an end is to totally negate the joy of the ride. Besides the amazing views, RIPTA buses, trolleys and the famous Newport ferry are like labs for the human condition. Listening to strangers' conversations or watching the twitching kids in the back row, one can while away hours being endlessly amused by Rhode Island's best for a mere $1.06 each way. With the cost of movies at the multiplex rising, this is the last cheap entertainment we have, and thank goodness! If you choose to interact with other riders, you may even come away with invaluable wisdom, or at least a great story. I know of at least one couple that met on the bus to work, which they rode every day along Branch Avenue. Hey, it could happen.
