These rate and program changes are effective September 1, 2026.
Rate updates
- Most parking permits will have a 2% rate increase.
- The rates for Flex parking, visitor parking, employee bus passes, and Lot 76 Quick Passes will not change.
- Student bus passes will remain fee-free. The student bus pass program is funded by the Associated Students of Madison.
Rate comparison
This chart shows the current rate for common permits compared to next year’s rate, and the amount of the 2% increase per year and per month (on a 12-month cycle). For a complete list of next year’s rates, go to the rates page.
| Permit type | 2025-26 annual rate (current) | 2026-27 annual rate (new) | 2% increase (year) | 2% increase (month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base lot level 1 | $944 | $963 | $19.00 | $1.58 |
| Base lot level 2 | $1,350 | $1,377 | $27.00 | $2.25 |
| UW accessible | $944 | $963 | $19.00 | $1.58 |
| Reduced cost (base lot, UW accessible) | $618 | $630 | $12.00 | $1.00 |
| Park & ride with shuttle service | $298 | $304 | $6.00 | $0.50 |
| Afternoon | $283 | $289 | $6.00 | $0.50 |
| Afternoon (Lot 75) | $328 | $335 | $7.00 | $0.58 |
| Night (Lot 75) | $56 | $57 | $1.00 | $0.08 |
| Night (surface lots) | $133 | $136 | $3.00 | $0.25 |
| Night (garage) | $46 | $47 | $1.00 | $0.08 |
Reduced cost parking program eligibility will not change
The 2026-27 criteria to be eligible for the reduced-cost parking program will not change. This program discounts base lot and UW accessible permits for eligible applicants.
Gross hourly pay rate required for the reduced cost parking program:
- At or under $21.63 per hour for UW employees and graduate students.
- At or under $30 per hour for UW Hospital and Clinics employees.
Campus electric vehicle (EV) stations will require user fees
As of September 1, electric vehicle (EV) stations in UW campus parking lots and garages will require users to pay an hourly rate in addition to regular parking permit or visitor fees. The change is due to state and local ordinances that require new EV stations to be user-paid. Go to the announcement for more details.
The electric vehicle charging station policy will be updated to align with the new hourly rate system. The updated policy will remove the previous four-hour time limit for parking stalls with EV stations. Policy updates will be available in the UW Policy Library on or before September 1.
Park & ride lot 206 relocating to 2230 Pennsylvania Avenue
The new location of the northeast UW park and ride lot is 2230 Pennsylvania Avenue. This is just south of the current location at 2003 Aberg Avenue. The lot will continue to offer daily commuter parking (weekdays, 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and frequent shuttle service to and from UW campus. Flex parking permits and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities will also be available. More information will be available in the coming months.
Remote Lot 204 (3500 University Avenue) will align with park & ride rates
Rates for parking permits, Flex parking and visitor parking in Lot 204 will be updated to match other university park & ride lots (202 and 206). Shuttle service and all other lot operations will remain in place.
2026-27 Lot 204 rates:
- Park & ride permit: $304 per year
- Flex rate: $4 flat fee per day
- Visitor rate: $5 flat fee per day
Eagle Heights open for commuter parking with extended hours
Permits for Eagle Heights commuter parking will be an option on this year’s parking application. The permit allows parking in designated “EH” stalls in any of Eagle Heights lots C, F, L, M or Z located along Eagle Heights Drive. The lots will have longer hours this fall and will be open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
More parking options available through the Student Parking Program
Students who are approved to apply for parking through the Student Parking Program will be able to select Eagle Heights and park & ride Lots 202, 204, and 206 on their parking applications.
About Transportation Services
Transportation Services rate and program changes are recommended by the Campus Transportation Committee and approved by the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration.
As an auxiliary enterprise of UW-Madison, Transportation Services—a division of Facilities Planning & Management—receives no state funding and must generate revenue to fund its programs and activities. Revenue funds parking lots and facilities, campus bus service, and federal- and state-mandated alternate transportation activities.