UCLA Transportation is making it easier for campus departments, researchers and student groups to get where they need to go, thanks to expanded access to its BruinCar vehicle rental program. Once a little-known resource used primarily for administrative travel, BruinCar has become a key mobility option for university business across education, research and service activities.

Designed for official university use, BruinCar supports a wide range of campus needs — from reaching off-site research locations to attending conferences, leading field trips and completing service projects throughout Southern California. Faculty, staff and students working through an approved department or program can reserve vehicles directly through UCLA, streamlining both logistics and cost.

Campus officials highlight several advantages: competitive rental rates billed directly to departments or campus organizations, a fully online reservation system, and a convenient on‑campus pick‑up location. The fleet also includes greener transportation choices, such as electric vehicles.

Available options range from sedans and fully electric SUVs to 10‑passenger vans, cargo and utility vehicles, and low‑speed motorized carts. For specialized needs, the BruinCar team can coordinate larger truck rentals through trusted external vendors.

The reservation process is designed to be straightforward. Faculty and staff drivers create a Driver Account using a valid license, while students reserve vehicles through a designated Reservation Authorizer — typically a faculty or staff member overseeing the group’s activity. Student organizations from SOLE, ASUCLA and UCLA Recreation are among the program’s frequent users.

Once approved, users can check real‑time availability, make or modify reservations within minutes, and pick up their vehicle directly on campus.

More information and reservations are available at bruincar.ucla.edu.