Imposes a seventy-five cent (0.75) surcharge on fares charged by rideshare companies as well as an account to benefit RIPTA from the payment of sales taxes collected from rideshares.

Rhode Island Rideshare Surcharge Bill

This bill would add a 75-cent surcharge to every ride booked through rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft in Rhode Island. The extra charge would be collected on top of the regular fare that passengers already pay. Additionally, the bill would direct a portion of the sales tax revenue already collected from rideshare transactions into a dedicated account that benefits the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), the state's public bus system.

The money generated from both the surcharge and the redirected sales tax revenue would go toward supporting RIPTA's operations and services. The idea is that rideshare activity contributes to road congestion and transportation demand, and some of the revenue from that industry could help fund public transit as an alternative.

Who this affects: Passengers who use rideshare apps in Rhode Island would pay 75 cents more per trip. Rideshare companies would be responsible for collecting and remitting the surcharge. Rhode Island residents who rely on RIPTA buses could potentially benefit if the additional funding improves or maintains transit service.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, where it has been recommended for further study rather than an immediate vote — meaning lawmakers are still reviewing it and no final decision has been made.