Sustainability and Resiliency

Transportation

Brown is offering a variety of transportation options that connect the community while taking steps to minimize emissions.

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.

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.

Take the Shuttle

2023 Shuttle Rides

116,477

daytime shuttle rides

2,760

SAS shuttle rides

69,208

evening shuttle rides

28,499

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.

213,678

RIPTA rides in FY23 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

Charging station

10,992 hours of EV charging time on campus

Electric car

814 Unique EV drivers

Eco gas icon

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.

Scooter