Transportation Services

Moving You Forward

General FAQ

  • Are there any car rentals available on campus?

    Zipcar is a carsharing provider on campus which offers low hourly and daily rates that include gas and insurance. 

    • Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a credit card and valid driver’s license (international licenses are accepted).  Cars are located on campus and can be reserved online or by using your mobile device. 
    • Once you apply for a membership, Zipcar will mail you a membership card.  Just tap your card on the card reader located on the windshield to unlock the car.
  • Can I ride electric scooters on campus?

    ​​​​​​​UCR currently prohibits riding electric scooters on campus sidewalks and pathways.  Scooters are not permitted inside buildings and must be parked using a bike or scooter rack.

  • Are there any incentives for me to rideshare?
    • Faculty, staff and graduate students can register for UCR’s R'Commute Program to receive rideshare incentives. 
    • R'Commute members are eligible to receive an allotment of free daily parking permits. 
    • Carpoolers and vanpoolers are also eligible for a free “Guaranteed Ride Home” in case of an emergency or unexpected overtime. 
    • Transit riders that take Riverside Transit Agency get to ride for free. 
    • Walkers and Bicyclists are able to use the lockers and showers free of charge at the Student Recreation Center.

    Contact Transportation Services for further details.

  • How are all of the transportation services paid for?

    Transportation Services is an Auxiliary unit which means that it is funded solely by customer fees and fines paid by issued citations. No state, federal, or student funds are used in normal day-to-day operations of the department. Alternative transportation is funded through citation and parking permit revenue.

  • Is a front license plate required?

    Vehicles registered in California must display two license plates -- one plate attached to the front bumper of the car and one plate attached to the back bumper of the car.

  • Can I pull through or back into a parking space?

    You must park so that your license plate is visible from the drive aisle.

    Pulling through or backing into a parking space is not permitted in angled spaces.

  • How will service and other authorized vehicles open the gate arm and bollards?

    Transportation Services will issue access cards or unlock bollards to authorized service providers. Contact parking@ucr.edu  if you require access past these points.  For immediate need call (951) 827-4133.

  • Will more gates and bollards be installed in and around the campus?

    Yes. As the campus grows, more secured access gates may be installed to mitigate campus traffic. Bollards continue to be added throughout the campus core with access restricted to emergency vehicle use only.

  • Who is the contact for any media-related inquiries?

    The Transportation Services Director is the primary point of contact and can be reached via email.

Bike/Walk FAQ

  • Do I need to register my bicycle for on campus use?
    • We recommend that all bikes are registered. Transportation Services provides free registration and issues California bike licenses at no cost to enrolled students and employees.  Your bike information is stored in our database and then accessible in the event your bike is lost, stolen, recovered or impounded.
  • Where can I register my bike on campus?

    You can register your bike online by filling out our online registration form. Additional details regarding the registration process can be found at the bike registration information page.

  • My bike has a flat, where can I get it fixed?
    • UCR has several bike fix-it stations that have tools and air pumps for do-it-yourself minor repairs. 
      • Fix-it stations are located at Transportation Services, Big Springs 1 and 2 parking structures, Aberdeen-Inverness, Lothian, and the SRC.
      • Powered air pumps are located at Transportation Services, Big Springs 1 and 2 parking structures, the SRC and in Parking Lot 30.

Bus FAQ

  • What is the RTA UPASS Program?

    UCR Transportation Services has partnered with RTA to provide all students, faculty, and staff free access to local public transportation.  Several RTA routes directly connect UCR to many western Riverside County neighboring communities.

    There’s two ways to travel!

    1. Simply swipe your valid UCR ID card on board the bus, or
    2. Use RTA’s GoMobile app to activate a pass.  First time app users must follow these instructions:
    • Download the RTA GoMobile app on your smartphone.
    • Click “Forgot Password” and use your UCR NetID email (e.g, SCOTTY@UCR.EDU) to reset account.
    • Check your email and follow the link.
    • System will prompt you to set up new password.
    • Once logged in, system will prompt you to name your wallet.  Pass will show up in the wallet.
  • Can I ride RTA for free on weekends too?

    Yes! Use your R'Card or the GoMobile app on board to use RTA on weekdays, weekends, and even during holiday hours of operation. 

  • Are employees eligible for the RTA UPASS Program?

    Yes! All students, staff and faculty can take advantage of the UPASS Program. Just swipe your R’Card on board or use RTA’s GoMobile App.

  • Where can charter buses park?

    There is no bus parking on campus. Buses may park in designated commercial parking areas as outlined by the City of Riverside. Additional information is available on riversideca.gov.

  • I've seen FlixBus stop on campus. What service is this?

     FlixBus is an independent long-distance transit provider that has a bus stop located in parking lot 30. Their buses travel to cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix. For schedules and pricing, go to the FlixBus website or call them directly at (855) 626-8585.

Metrolink FAQ

Carpool FAQ

  • Who is eligible for a carpool permit?

    Faculty, staff and graduate students are able to purchase a carpool permit. 

    1. You must first apply for the R'Commute Program as a carpooler. 
    2. Once approved, all carpool partners must return their old parking permits and set-up billing for the carpool permit.  Carpool permits are sold at a discount, then the cost is split amongst the number of people in the group.  One parking permit is issued per carpool.
  • How can I find a carpool partner?

    Faculty, staff and grad students can register online for a free IE Commuter account to be matched with others interested in sharing a ride who live and work near you with similar hours. You may also qualify for County sponsored rideshare subsidies.  

Vanpool FAQ

  • How can I find a vanpool to join?

    Go to Commute with Enterprise and click on "Join Commute". Enter your commute data (home/work address and your normal work hours). If there is a match, Commute with Enterprise staff will put you in touch with the Vanpool Coordinator. If there is no match, complete the form anyway to be added to an interest list and be notified when they find matches.

  • How much does a vanpool cost?
    • Vanpool fares vary depending on the distance traveled, number of people in the vanpool, and the type of vehicle selected. 
    • Vanpool programs are eligible for county subsidies, discounted fuel, and aren’t required to have a parking permit, so overall it’s an affordable option. 

Electric Vehicle FAQ

  • Where can I charge my electric vehicle on campus?

    Please view the Electric Vehicle web page for charging options on campus.

  • How much does it cost to charge my electric vehicle?

    Please see our Electric Vehicle web page for current pricing.

  • How do I create a ChargePoint account?
    1. You must go online to www.chargepoint.com or download the ChargePoint App. 
    2. Register for an account. 
    3. Once you have logged in to ChargePoint's system, click on the title "Connections".  At the top of the Connections screen, you will see a place to enter the Connection code.  UCR faculty, staff, and students can use connection code UCREV1 to receive the $1/hr. discount. Enter the Connection code and right click to apply. 
    4. You will be asked for your UCR employee ID or student ID number.  After you have submitted your application, Transportation Services will be notified and asked to approve the application before the discount is applied.  Requests are usually processed the next business day.

    As a reminder, ChargePoint will bill you for your usage based on the length of time your vehicle is connected to the charging station so please make sure you move your vehicle accordingly.