Transportation Services
Division of Facilities Planning & Management

Carpool

Note: Those who commute by carpool or vanpool should operate to the best of their discretion and consider following public health department recommendations (CDC guidance), such as regularly disinfecting surfaces, adhering to physical distancing where possible, and regular use of face masks.

UW-Madison Transportation Services administers a carpool program for faculty and staff. Carpooling is one way to support the Transportation Services mission of providing innovative transportation solutions while reducing single occupancy vehicles on campus. Hundreds of employees are saving money, lowering emissions and reducing traffic congestion by carpooling every day.

Carpool Benefits

  • Six (6) complimentary, temporary daily parking passes per carpool member, per parking year. For use when the main permit is unavailable, or a member cannot ride in the carpool that day.
  • Share the permit cost among group (note: one carpool member is responsible for paying the permit cost to Transportation Services).
  • Share gas and car costs. The average commuter who drives 16 miles one-way to work in a vehicle with average fuel economy will spend about $1,300 per year in gas alone! Add vehicle depreciation, maintenance, insurance and other costs and your car commute costs you thousands every year.
  • Ability to use the Emergency Ride Home Program

Carpool Member Changes

  • To add or remove a carpool member or to cancel the carpool, the permit holder must email the Commuter Solutions Team and include:
    • The member’s name,
    • Email address and
    • Campus/hospital ID number
  • If the carpool is ending, you must email the Commuter Solutions Team and return the carpool permit to one of the Transportation Services office.
    • To cancel a carpool, include the captain’s name and contact information.

Carpool/ Vanpool

More Information

Option 1: Carpool Registration

  1. Parking: One member of the carpool must have an annual base lot parking permit. This person is considered the “captain” and is responsible for the permit, including cost. All other members are ineligible for an annual base lot parking permit but are eligible for the following parking permits: afternoon, Flex, park and ride, moped, motorcycle and/or night.
  2. Form a carpool: A carpool is two or more employees (who qualify for parking on campus, including spouses) who drive to campus together in one vehicle on a daily/near daily basis. Students are not eligible. A carpool with three or more members may qualify for a campus carpool permit.
    • The best way to form a carpool is to register as a rider or driver (or both) at Rideshare Etc. Sign up online, by phone (608-266-RIDE) or by email. Other ridematching websites can be found in the UW Carpool Handout (PDF).
    • Another option is to ask coworkers or neighbors if they would be interested in carpooling. Transportation Services cannot suggest matches.
  3. Register your carpool.
  4. Enjoy the benefits!

Option 2: Carpool Permit Application

  • Carpools permits are available to carpools of three or more members, as larger carpooling groups have a significant impact on lowering the demand for parking on campus.
  • Carpool permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Waitlists are formed thereafter.
  • Carpool permits are available in the following lots (see campus parking maps):
    Lot 6 – Helen C. White Garage
    Lot 7 – Grainger Hall Garage
    Lot 17 – Engineering Drive Ramp
    Lot 29 – North Park Street Ramp
    Lot 34 – Tripp Hall
    Lot 36 – Observatory Drive Ramp
    Lot 46 – Lake & Johnson Ramp
    Lot 60 – 800 Walnut Street
    Lot 62 – Veterinary Medicine / Natatorium
    Lot 76 – University Bay Ramp
  1. Apply for a carpool permit.
  2. After you submit your application, you will be contacted with further instructions.
  3. You will be notified of your application status before the annual base lot offers are sent.