Transportation and Accessible Parking

Because of both Providence’s topography and the age of some RISD buildings, getting around campus may pose accessibility challenges. Our office works closely with Campus Services to make campus as accessible as possible. For accessible transportation resources and support, continue below.

(Also please note that all new building projects comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and campus renovation projects include accessibility updates.)

Accommodations-based navigation

For prospective students and others interested in taking an accessible campus tour, please email the Admissions Office.

Accessible parking

RISD does not provide parking for students on campus without documented need. 

Any RISD community member or guest with a state-issued handicapped parking placard or license plate can park in designated handicapped parking spaces in applicable RISD parking lots. Please consult this parking map to identify those spots. If you are an eligible campus community member, you should still apply for a RISD parking permit in order to park in non-handicapped spaces when necessary.

Handicapped spaces in campus lots are governed by city and state parking regulations. Illegally parking in handicapped spaces without proper documentation will result in immediate ticketing and towing. Repeated misuse of handicapped parking spaces will result in losing campus parking privileges.

Medical transport via Public Safety

People with mobility concerns of any kind can receive medical transport for point-to-point rides on campus only. (If you need to travel beyond campus limits, you will need to secure your own transportation).

To request medical transport, you must register with DSS and provide documentation that verifies your need for accommodated transportation.

Parking passes

DSS-registered students with a documented need for parking accommodations may be eligible to park on campus. To request parking accommodations, register with us and provide verifying documentation.

Additional travel resources on campus

RISD Rides

RISD Rides operates as a flexible, on-demand, door-to-door service, seven days per week during the academic year, from 5 pm–3 am. (RISD students can also use the Brown University Shuttle when they present a RISD ID card.)

RIPTA buses

RISD ID cards also functions as a RIPTA bus pass, giving matriculating students, as well as current faculty and staff members, access to transportation to and from campus, free of additional charge.

Zipcar

RISD partners with Zipcar and surrounding universities to provide access to 19 cars on or near campus. Cars are available on-demand 24/7 and can be reserved by the hour or day.