Transportation

RISD Transportation Management Plan

In order to better meet the needs of everyone who visits, studies or works on campus, the RISD Transportation Task Force (TTF) is conducting a comprehensive analysis of all means of travel to, from and within the campus. In spring 2019, RISD hired nationally-recognized sustainable campus transportation experts Nelson\Nygaard to develop a comprehensive plan for balancing access, transit and parking demands with the need to preserve walkability on campus.

In collaboration with Nelson\Nygaard, we have worked to understand the current transportation structure and related issues and opportunities, and have developed a multi-year approach to improve the transportation environment at RISD. The Transportation Management Plan does not completely solve overall issues but seeks, over several years, to improve parking, transportation to and from campus, visitor parking, biking, pedestrian safety and other areas. The TTF has also aligned the plan with Next: RISD 2020–2027 in its commitment to contribute to a sustainable planet, shape just societies and secure RISD’s future.

Please read the plan and provide your thoughts via this form. The TTF will now focus its work on implementation of the plan. Community updates on that work will be provided periodically. Thank you to the faculty, staff and students who have helped shape this plan for RISD.

Reports:
Transportation Management Plan
Key Issues and Opportunities

RISD Rides

For information about RISD Rides, including hours of operation, service area, and how to book a ride, go to the RISD Rides page on the RISD Student Hub.

Bus rentals

Through a sister division, First Transit provides the opportunity for bus rentals for field trips or events through Peter Pan Bus Lines, which offers the following charter pricing for bus rentals: $115.00/hour (6-hour minimum)

First Transit Contact Information for Charter Bus Rentals:
Travis Mills, First Transit General Manager
401 521-0730
travis.mills@firstgroup.com

MDT Bus Lines, Inc. Contact Information:
Sheila McGillicuddy
Phone: 508 336-7111
Fax: 508 336-7114

sheila@mdtbuslines.com

Automobile rentals

Through E&I Cooperative Services, RISD has access to contract pricing from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental. Enterprise is the largest car rental company in North America and now owns National Car Rental.

These rates are accessible via RISD’s custom Egencia site. Please contact Procurement at epro@risd.edu if you have any questions about contract pricing or Egencia access.

Van rentals

Facilities Operations provides documents and forms pertaining to van rentals.

Zipcar

Students have wheels when they want them with Zipcar’s car-sharing program. RISD has partnered with Zipcar and the surrounding universities to give you access to 19 cars on or near campus. Cars are available on-demand, 24/7, and can be reserved by the hour or day. Gas, insurance, roadside assistance, and 180 miles are included for all reservations. Students, faculty, and staff can now join for just $35 and with hourly rates starting as low as $10.

Student, now it will be easy to get off campus whenever for errands, entertainment, even road trips! Plus avoid the hassles and expenses of owning a car and finding parking on campus. Students only need to be 18 to join and international students are welcome too. Interested? Sign up today!

Staff & Faculty Note: Zipcars are not authorized for local errands, but can be utilized for regional trips when necessary. Rental cars via Egencia are geneally the more cost effective option for regional trips.