Parking & Transit in Rhode Island
Buses, Parking and Public Transit
USA TODAY ranked Providence the No. 2 most walkable city in the country, and downtown is where our Downcity Campus sits. Most of what you need is a short walk away. When you need to go farther, take our free campus bus between campuses or public transit. Students may also keep a car on campus with a parking permit.
Wildcat Wheels
Wildcat Wheels is our free bus service for students. It runs between the Downcity and Harborside Campuses. Bring your JWU ID card every time you ride.
Bus Stops
- Gaebe Commons — main entrance gate, Downcity Campus
- Wildcat Center — Harborside Campus
- Harbor View — in front of the building
- Xavier Complex — courtesy drop-off stop, only runs when classes are in session
Before Your Ride
- Plan at least 30 minutes to get between campuses. Traffic can slow the trip down.
- Get to your stop five minutes early. Drivers can’t wait.
- Schedules are limited during holidays and breaks, and at the end of fall and start of spring semester. Check the timetables for the most accurate schedule.
- Once you’re a student, you’ll find delay and weather alerts in the Wildcat Wheels group on jwuLink.
Parking Permits
Every vehicle parked on JWU property needs a JWU parking permit. That covers all lots on both campuses and the JWU Garage. Students need to register your vehicle each school year.
Downcity Campus Parking Permits
JWU Garage — 185 Pine Street
Students may pay hourly or purchase a pass. During the fall and spring semesters, the garage is open Monday-Friday, 6am-11pm. It’s closed on the weekends and recognized holidays. No overnight parking is allowed. A $50 fine is assessed for cars left in the garage overnight.
Graduate and nursing students may park in the JWU Garage for free. Please inquire at the garage office for a permit.
Parking Pass Rates:
- $345 per semester
- $660 for the academic year
Hourly Parking Rates:
| TIME PARKED | COST |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 minutes | Free |
| Up to 1 hour | $1 |
| Up to 2 hours | $2 |
| Up to 3 hours | $3 |
| Up to 4 hours | $4 |
| Up to 5 hours | $6 |
| Up to 6 hours | $8 |
| Up to 7 hours | $10 |
| 8 hours or more | $11 (max. daily rate) |
Harborside Campus Parking Permits
Student may park in lots A, B, D, E and F on the Harborside Campus . Overnight parking is allowed in lots E and F. A permit costs $240 for the academic year and $120 per semester.
Parking at residence halls is available at Harborview Center and Harborside Village on a first come, first served basis. If your hall doesn’t have its own parking, purchase a permit for lot E or F.
Guest & Temporary Parking
Info below applies to Downcity and Harborside.
- Campus Safety & Security issues temporary parking permits, free of charge, to students which can be used for up to five days. After five days, a university parking permit must be purchased.
- Guests parking on campus must apply for a temporary parking permit in person at either of the Campus Safety & Security offices. Guests must be accompanied by the host student. While on campus, guests are to observe the university’s parking rules and regulations. Permits are issued to guests in the host student’s name. Violations issued to “guest vehicles” will be charged to the host student.
- Temporary permits are valid in designated parking areas only and must be clearly visible on the dashboard.
Parking Rules
Permits are available for pickup 24 hours after purchase at the Financial Services Office (Downcity Campus) or the Harborside Safety & Security Substation (Harborside Academic Center). Place the permit on the inside of your windshield at the bottom of the driver’s side.
- Permits are valid only for the vehicle they’re issued to.
- Fees are non-refundable. You can transfer a permit to another car you own by filling out a new form and picking up a new permit.
- Vehicles without a valid permit may be tagged or towed at your expense.
- You are responsible for keeping a valid license, registration and insurance.
Public Transportation
RIPTA Buses
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) runs buses across the state. The main hub is Kennedy Plaza, a short walk from Downcity Campus. You can also catch a bus on Weybosset Street outside Gaebe Commons.
Ferry to Newport and Bristol
Ferry service runs between Providence, Bristol and Newport in the summer and early fall.
Boston and New York
The MBTA commuter rail connects Providence to Boston, T.F. Green Airport and North Kingstown, R.I.
Contact
Wildcat Wheels:
401-598-1156
WildcatWheels@jwu.edu
Campus Parking:
401-598-1103
parking.pvd@jwu.edu