According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector accounts for approximately 29% of U.S. greenhouse gasses. 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 and Resiliency
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.
FY2024 Shuttle Rides
131,826
daytime shuttle rides
2,309
SAS shuttle rides
88,458
evening shuttle rides
62,006
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.
230,780
RIPTA rides in FY24 through the UPass program
Fleet Electrification & Commuting
Brown’s Fleet: In FY22 the University committed to purchasing only electric fleet vehicles unless there is not a viable alternative. The current fleet of 123 vehicles includes 2 fully electric vehicles and 2 hybrid non plug-in vehicles. On order are 4 electric cargo vans and 1 hybrid SUV.
Learn more at Brown Transportation
FY23 Year in Review
10,992 hours of EV charging time on campus
814 Unique EV drivers
7,618 gallons saved
Electric Bikes & Scooters Around Campus
Brown University works with Spin and Bird to provide bikes and scooters throughout campus and to provide safety measures like restricting their speed on campus.
Please visit the Spin website for more information or to download the Spin App.
Please visit the Bird website for more information or to download the Bird App.
