According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector accounts for approximately 29% of U.S. greenhouse gases. To actively decrease its transportation-related emissions, to improve accessibility and as a way to promote healthy lifestyles and community building, Brown is proud to offer its community members free access to the Brown University Shuttle (B.U.S.), and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). Brown also works to continuously improve biking, electric vehicle, and walking infrastructure and resources in collaboration with Providence and Rhode Island.
Sustainability
Transportation
Brown is offering a variety of transportation options that connect the community while taking steps to minimize emissions.
Transportation
Brown is offering a variety of transportation options that connect the community while taking steps to minimize emissions.
The Brown University Shuttle
The Brown University Shuttle connects off-campus community members to Brown, the Jewelry District to College Hill, students and faculty to the hospitals, and more.
2021 Shuttle Rides
46,907
daytime shuttle rides
680
SEAS shuttle rides
36,636
evening shuttle rides
26,208
OnCall shuttle rides
RIPTA U-Pass Program
Brown University has made great strides toward increasing the availability of public transportation with the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) U-Pass program. The program subsidizes all Brown University ID holders so they may ride any RIPTA bus or trolley free of charge anywhere in the state of Rhode Island. A 2020 study found Brown to be the #1 patron of the RIPTA bus service.
110,431
RIPTA rides in 2021 through the UPass program
Numbers for RIPTA ridership decreased due to COVID-19, but are expected to rise again in the future.
Driving and EV Stations
Brown is committed to improving its transportation infrastructure and focuses efforts on encouraging community members to replace gas miles with electric miles sourced from renewable electricity. One way the University does this is by continually increasing the number of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus.
Learn more at Brown Transportation
FY21 Year in Review
4,355 hours of EV charging time on campus
271 Unique EV drivers
2,721 gallons saved
Spin Scooters
In the Fall of 2021, Spin Scooters deployed 100 scooters around campus, and Brown worked with Spin Scooters through geofencing technology to create speed limits, slow zones, and no parking areas for safety. Spin also attended New Student Orientation to ensure students were educated about the program and received safety instruction. Students also received free helmets and free scooter time.
