Flex Parking Program

The less you park, the less you pay!

Flex parking is a pay-per-use parking system designed to complement alternatives to driving, such as biking, walking, telecommuting, and taking public transit.

By combining active and alternative commute modes with infrequent driving, you save money on parking and help improve the campus environment.

Flex participants automatically qualify for the Emergency Ride Home program.

Interested in Flex? 

Learn How to Apply

Flex Payments

Flex permit holders assigned to gated parking facilities add value to their permit online before coming to campus.

Add Value in eBusiness


Flex permit holders assigned to surface lots pay with ParkMobile when the parking session begins.

Go to ParkMobile

Flex Parking Rates

Flex daytime rate Flex evening rate
$0.80 per 30 minutes for first three hours; $0.80 per hour thereafter $0.80 per hour
$12 daily session max $4 evening session max

Flex parking is pay-per-use. You pay only when you park.

The cost of a parking session is determined by how long you park, where you park, and the rate schedule(s) in effect during your parking session.

    • Flex parking rates are a 20% discount on visitor parking rates.
    • Flex rates are applied at point of purchase in eBusiness or ParkMobile.
    • Daytime and evening Flex rate schedules vary based on parking lot. Scroll down for a list of rate schedules in Flex parking lots.

Rate Schedules in Flex Parking Lots

Lot Number Time Weekdays Sat Sun
6, 29, 46, 67, 83 7 am - 4:29 pm Daytime rate Daytime rate
4:30 pm - 11:59 pm Evening rate Evening rate
12:00 am - 6:59 am No charge No charge
7 7 am - 4:29 pm Daytime rate Daytime rate No charge
4:30 pm - 11:59 pm Evening rate Evening rate No charge
12:00 am - 6:59 am No charge No charge
2, 16, 51, 38, 91, 95 7 am - 4:29 pm Daytime rate Evening rate
4:30 pm - 11:59 pm Evening rate Evening rate
12:00 am - 6:59 am No charge No charge
17, 36, 76 7 am - 4:29 pm Daytime rate No charge
4:30 pm - 11:59 pm Evening rate No charge
12:00 am - 6:59 am No charge No charge
34, 39, 41, 59, 60, 64, 82 7 am - 4:29 pm Daytime rate No charge
4:30 pm - 11:59 pm No charge No charge
12:00 am - 6:59 am No charge No charge
75 7 am - 4:29 pm Daytime rate Daytime rate
4:30 pm - 11:59 pm Daytime rate Daytime rate
12:00 am - 6:59 am Evening rate Evening rate

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Flex Session Cost Estimates

After a rate increase in Fall 2022, Flex rates are 20% less than daytime and evening visitor parking rates.

The below table shows the estimated cost of an uninterrupted Flex parking session during the daytime rate period.

Parking session time Old Flex rate (before Fall 2022) New Flex rate Daytime visitor rate Difference from old Flex rate
30 minutes $4 (trip charge) $0.80 $1 $(3.20)
1 hour $4 (trip charge) $1.60 $2 $(2.40)
1 hour 30 minutes $4 (trip charge) $2.40 $3 $(1.60)
2 hours $4 (trip charge) $3.20 $4 $(0.80)
2 hours 30 minutes $4 (trip charge) $4 $5 $0
3 hours $4 (trip charge) $4.80 $6 $0.80
4 hours $4 (trip charge) $5.60 $7 $1.60
5 hours $5 $6.40 $8 $1.40
6 hours $6 $7.20 $9 $1.20
7 hours $7 $8 $10 $1
8 hours $8 (session max) $8.80 $11 $0.80
9 hours $8 (session max) $9.60 $12 $1.60
10 hours $8 (session max) $10.40 $13 $2.40
11 hours $8 (session max) $11.20 $14 $3.20
12 hours $8 (session max) $12 (session max) $15 (session max) $4

The below table shows the estimated cost of an uninterrupted Flex parking session during the evening rate period. It also compares the new Flex rates to the old rates and visitor parking rates.

Parking session time Old Flex rate New Flex rate Evening visitor rate Difference from old Flex rate
1 hour $0.75 $0.80 $1 $0.05
2 hours $1.50 $1.60 $2 $0.10
3 hours $2.25 $2.40 $3 $0.15
4 hours $3 $3.20 $4 $0.20
5 hours $3.75 (session max) $4 (session max) $5 (session max) $0.25

Parking sessions spanning daytime and evening rate periods can impact the total cost of a parking session. Click the button to download a Flex payment examples sheet (.pdf file): Flex payment examples

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Flex Gated Program Information

Flex Gated parking permits allow parking in a specific gated lot (6, 7, 17, 29, 36, 38, 46, 67, 75, 76, 83, or 95) for daily and after hours parking.

Permit holders add value to the Flex permit in the eBusiness portal before arriving on campus to park. The parking system automatically calculates the parking charge and deducts value from the permit when you exit the lot. Value will be deducted from the permit at the normal visitor rate, but rest assured that you received your Flex discount when you added value to the permit.

The Flex parking rate is a 20% discount on daytime and evening visitor parking rates. When adding value to the permit, you are purchasing visitor parking value with a 20% up-front discount.

For more information on Flex rates, go to the Flex rate chart.

There is a $12 charge to accept a Flex Gated permit. These funds are added to your account and can be used to pay for your first parking session. After that, multiple sessions’ worth of parking value may be added to the permit: up to $60 of parking value (cost of $48) may be added to the Flex permit per transaction, and the permit may carry a maximum of $300 in value (cost of $240) at a time.

Flex Gated permit holders can add value to their permit in eBusiness:

Add Value to Flex Gated Permit in eBusiness

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Flex Gated permits are valid for after-hours parking in the permit’s assigned lot, and are also valid for after-hours parking in alternate surface lots where UW parking permits are valid from 4:30 p.m. – 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. These locations include any of the yellow lots on the campus parking map. (Permits and payment are not required for after-hours parking in green lots.)

To park after hours in an alternate surface lot, you must create an account with ParkMobile, the third-party payment system, and start a new session to pay for parking. You do not need to use ParkMobile to park after hours in your assigned lot.

When starting a ParkMobile session, enter the 5-digit zone code located on your Flex hangtag, confirm the license plate number of the vehicle you are parking, and enter the exact number of hours you plan to park. Selecting “Maximum Session Time” will charge you for 5-plus hours (for sessions starting after 4:30 pm on weekdays, or any time on weekends).

The Flex permit must be displayed when parked after hours.

Go to ParkMobile

Three Ways to Set Up a ParkMobile Account:
1. With ParkMobile mobile app
2. Online at parkmobile.io
3. By phone at 877-PARK-003 (877-727-5003)
To Start a ParkMobile Session, You Need:
1. Your license plate number
2. The 5-digit Parkmobile zone number located on your Flex hangtag
3. The amount of time you want to park

Need help with ParkMobile? For the fastest response, call ParkMobile directly at (877) 727-5457.

More ParkMobile resources:

How to create a ParkMobile account (PDF) How to start a ParkMobile session (PDF) How to access ParkMobile records (PDF)

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Add value to your Flex Gated permit, check your parking transaction history, and pay an amount due* by logging in to eBusiness and following the instructions below.

Manage Account in eBusiness

Add Value to a Flex Gated Permit
1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials.
2. Click "Permits" (top menu) and select "View Your Permits."
3. Click on your active Flex permit number.
4. Click the "Add Value" button. Read the instructions on the "Add additional value" page.
5. Select the value amount you want to add in increments of $5. Then click "Next" to complete the purchase process.
Please note the Flex parking rate is applied as a 20% up-front discount on visitor parking value.
Check Account Balance and Transaction History
1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials.
2. Click "Permits" (top menu) and select "View Your Permits."
3. Click on your active Flex permit number.
4. The next screen will show the current visitor parking value on your Flex Gated account.
5. Scroll down and click the "View Activity History" button. The system will generate a PDF of parking transactions for the past 180 days.
Pay an Amount Due
1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials.
2. Click "Permits" (top menu) and select "View Your Permits."
3. Click on your active Flex permit number.
4. On the "Your Permit Details" page, there may be an "Amount Due." Click "Add to Cart."
5. Click the cart icon and choose "Pay Now" to start the transaction process.
Please note that adding value to your Flex permit does not automatically pay an amount due. It is recommended that you pay an amount due and add value in separate transactions.

* An “amount due” may be applied to a Flex Gated permit if all the parking value is used before the parking session ends. Adding value to the permit does not automatically clear an amount due. It is recommended to pay an amount due and add value in separate transactions.

More resources:

Add Value to Flex Gated Permit (PDF) Pay a Flex Gated Amount Due (PDF)

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UPDATE June 2023: Transportation Services has updated its policies regarding Flex Gated parking account refunds. In the new policy, a Flex Gated balance remaining on the permit at the end of the parking year will be automatically transferred to a new Flex Gated permit, or refunded by check if the balance is over $6.25 in parking value (equivalent to $5 cash).

To qualify for a refund during the parking year, value on the permit must be at least $6.25 (equivalent to $5 cash) and the physical permit must be returned to Transportation Services.

Current Flex Gated customers who purchase a Flex Gated permit to begin the next parking year will have any remaining account balance transferred to the new permit.

  • Customers do not need to submit a refund request. Transfers will be automatic.
  • The full remaining balance will be transferred to the new Flex Gated permit. There is no minimum balance requirement.
  • Transfers may take several days after Sept. 1 to process.
  • The new permit purchase will include a $12 initial charge for $15 worth of parking value. This value will be included on the new permit’s account and available to use for parking as of Sept. 1.
  • Because the balance transfer won’t be immediate, customers may need to purchase additional parking value before the transfer is complete.
  • Any outstanding amounts due incurred on the 2022-23 permit because of insufficient funds will be deducted prior to the transfer.

Current Flex Gated customers who do not purchase a Flex Gated permit to begin the next parking year may receive a refund by check.

  • To qualify for a refund, the remaining account balance must be at least $6.25 in parking value as of Sept. 1. Balances less than $6.25 in parking value will be forfeited.
  • The refund check will be mailed within 6-8 weeks to the customer’s registered primary postal address. The address can be confirmed or updated at this link.
  • Any outstanding amounts due incurred because of insufficient parking funds will be deducted prior to the refund.

Example: Because Flex parking rates are 80 percent of visitor parking rates, an account with $6.25 in parking value and no outstanding amounts due would be refunded with a $5 check.

There is no longer a June 30 deadline to request refunds on Flex Gated account balances. However, some customers may wish to request a refund in the middle of a parking year. To receive a refund on an active permit within a parking year:

  • The account balance must be at least $6.25 in parking value (equivalent of $5 cash; see example above).
  • The Flex permit must be returned to Transportation Services.

ParkMobile refunds

Transportation Services cannot refund payments made to ParkMobile, including accidental overpayments, or double payments. Flex permit holders are responsible for knowing the correct payment method to use for parking.

For assistance with ParkMobile, call ParkMobile directly at (877) 727-5457.

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Flex Surface Program Information

Flex Surface parking permits allow parking in a specific surface lot (2, 16, 34, 39, 41, 51, 59, 60, 64, 82, or 91) for daily and after-hours parking.

Permit holders must create an account with ParkMobile, the third-party payment system, to pay for Flex parking in their assigned lot.

When starting a ParkMobile session, enter the 5-digit zone code located on your Flex hangtag, confirm the license plate number of the vehicle you are parking, and enter the exact number of hours you plan to park. Selecting “Maximum Session Time” will charge you for 12-plus hours (for sessions starting before 4:30 pm on weekdays) for 5-plus hours (for sessions starting after 4:30 pm on weekdays, or any time on weekends).

See the Flex rate chart.

Go to ParkMobile

Three Ways to Set Up a ParkMobile Account:
1. With ParkMobile mobile app
2. Online at parkmobile.io
3. By phone at 877-PARK-003 (877-727-5003)
To Start a ParkMobile Session, You Need:
1. Your license plate number
2. The 5-digit Parkmobile zone number located on your Flex hangtag
3. The amount of time you want to park

Need help with ParkMobile? For the fastest response, call ParkMobile directly at (877) 727-5457.

More ParkMobile resources:

How to create a ParkMobile account (PDF) How to start a ParkMobile session (PDF) How to access ParkMobile records (PDF)

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Flex Surface permits are valid for after-hours parking in the permit’s assigned lot, and are also valid for after-hours parking in alternate surface lots where UW parking permits are valid from 4:30 p.m. – 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. These locations include any of the yellow lots on the campus parking map. (Permits and payment are not required for after-hours parking in green lots.)

You must start a ParkMobile session for after-hours Flex parking in the permit’s assigned lot, or in an alternate surface lot.

When parking after hours, start a ParkMobile session as usual by entering the 5-digit zone code located on your Flex hangtag, confirming the license plate number of the vehicle you are parking, and entering the exact number of hours you plan to park. When parking after hours in an alternate surface lot, you will enter the same 5-digit zone code located on your Flex hangtag. Selecting “Maximum Session Time” will charge you for 5-plus hours (for sessions starting after 4:30 pm on weekdays, or any time on weekends).

The Flex permit must be displayed when parked after hours.

Go to ParkMobile

Three Ways to Set Up a ParkMobile Account:
1. With ParkMobile mobile app
2. Online at parkmobile.io
3. By phone at 877-PARK-003 (877-727-5003)
To Start a ParkMobile Session, You Need:
1. Your license plate number
2. The 5-digit Parkmobile zone number located on your Flex hangtag
3. The amount of time you want to park

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You can find Flex lots and codes on the Flex parking map. Your 5-digit Flex zone code is also located on your parking permit hangtag. Hours of control are on the lot locations and hours page.

Flex Lot ParkMobile Zone Code
2 25002
6 25006
7 25007
16 25016
17 25017
29 25029
34 25034
36 25036
38 25038
39 25039
41 25041
46 25046
51 25051
59 25059
60 25060
64 25064
67 25067
75 25075
76 25076
82 25082
83 25083
91 25091
95 25095
Disabled 25099

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Transportation Services cannot refund payments made to ParkMobile, including accidental overpayments, or double payments. Flex permit holders are responsible for knowing the correct payment method to use for parking.

For assistance with ParkMobile, call ParkMobile directly at (877) 727-5457.

Flex Accessible Parking

The Flex Accessible permit allows parking in UW-Disabled, WI-DOT disabled, and unreserved parking stalls across campus. Flex Accessible permit holders must be in ParkMobile paid status when parked in any of these locations during the lot’s hours of enforcement.

Click for a map of UW-Disabled and WI-DOT stalls on campus.

You must create an account with ParkMobile, the third-party payment system, to pay for Flex Accessible parking.

When starting a ParkMobile session, enter the 5-digit zone #25099, confirm the license plate number of the vehicle you are parking, and enter the exact number of hours you plan to park. Selecting “Maximum Session Time” will charge you for 12-plus hours (for sessions starting before 4:30 pm on weekdays) or 5-plus hours (for sessions starting after 4:30 pm on weekdays, or any time on weekends).

Three Ways to Set Up a ParkMobile Account:
1. With ParkMobile mobile app
2. Online at parkmobile.io
3. By phone at 877-PARK-003 (877-727-5003)
To Start a ParkMobile Session, You Need:
1. Your license plate number
2. The 5-digit Parkmobile zone number located on your Flex hangtag
3. The amount of time you want to park

Go to ParkMobile

Need help with ParkMobile? For the fastest response, call ParkMobile directly at (877) 727-5457.

More ParkMobile resources:

How to create a ParkMobile account (PDF) How to start a ParkMobile session (PDF) How to access ParkMobile records (PDF)

Learn more about accessible parking and transportation options.

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Tips and troubleshooting

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What do "value" and "cost" mean?

For Flex Gated permit holders: Campus parking ramps and garages operate according to daytime and evening visitor rate schedules. All Flex permit holders receive a 20% discount on daytime and evening visitor parking rates.

The terms “value” and “cost” are used to differentiate between the cost Flex Gated permit holders pay to purchase visitor parking value

For example, if you want to load $75 of visitor parking value on your Flex Gated permit, it will cost $60.

When you exit your assigned gated parking ramp and are charged for your parking session, value is deducted from your account at the visitor parking rate. However, you purchased this value at a discounted cost of 20%.

How can I check the current value on my Flex Gated permit?

Check the current value on your Flex Gated permit by following these instructions:

  1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials.
  2. Click “Permits” (top menu) and select “View Your Permits.”
  3. Click on your active Flex permit number.
  4. The next screen will show the current value on your Flex Gated permit.

Go to eBusiness

Can I see a history of my Flex parking transactions?

Flex Gated permit holders

Log into eBusiness to download a PDF of your parking sessions for the past 180 days. The transaction history also shows the value deducted from your permit for each session, and the cost (what you paid) for each session:

  1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials.
  2. Click “Permits” (top menu) and select “View Your Permits.”
  3. Click on your active Flex permit number.
  4. The next screen will show the current value on your Flex Gated permit.
  5.  Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “View Activity History” button. The download will start automatically.

Go to eBusiness

Flex parking in surface lots

If you use ParkMobile for Flex parking in surface lots, follow the instructions below to access your parking activity history.

Access your activity history in the ParkMobile app:

  1. Log in to the ParkMobile app and click the “Activity” icon.
  2. Select “History” at the top of the screen to see a list of past parking sessions.

Access your activity history on the ParkMobile website:

  1. In a web browser log in to ParkMobile using your account credentials.
  2. Click your username at the top right corner of the screen.
  3. Click the “Zones” tab.
  4. In the “Zones” tab, click the “Past Parking Sessions” link.

Go to ParkMobile

What should I do if the gate doesn't open when I try to enter the garage?

Flex Gated permit holders must have value loaded on their permits to enter their assigned parking ramp. If you have used all the value on your Flex Gated permit, the gate will not open.

If this happens, you must pull a ticket to enter the ramp and pay the full visitor parking rate for your session.

Flex Gated permit holders are responsible for adding value to their permits before arriving at their assigned garage or ramp.

Transportation Services will not refund parking costs paid at the visitor rate, in full or in part.

What should I do if the gate doesn't open when I try to exit my parking garage?

If the gate does not open when you try to leave a parking ramp or garage, press the “HELP” button and speak with a dispatcher.

Why do I have an "amount due" on my Flex Gated permit in eBusiness?

If you use all the value on your Flex Gated permit during a parking session, any unpaid portion of your parking session will appear as an “amount due” on your Flex permit in eBusiness for you to pay later.

Adding value to your Flex permit does not automatically pay off an amount due. It is recommended that permit holders pay any amount due and add value separately.

Please keep in mind that failing to pay off an amount due will prevent you from purchasing additional parking permits and may cause your account to be sent to collections.

  1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials.
  2. Click “Permits” (top menu) and select “View Your Permits.”
  3. Click on your active Flex permit number.
  4. On the “Your Permit Details” page, there may be an “Amount Due.” Click “Add to Cart.”
  5. Click the cart icon an choose “Pay Now” to start the transaction process.

For a visual guide to pay an amount due in eBusiness, click the button below.

How to Pay a Flex Gated Amount Due (PDF)

The gate system charged my Flex Gated permit, but I meant to use a different permit to park.

Do you keep multiple UW parking permits in your vehicle, such as a Flex Gated permit and an afternoon or night garage permit?

Transportation Services cannot refund value deducted from your Flex parking account if you intended to use a permit other than a Flex permit to park. You are responsible for any charges deducted as a result of keeping multiple permits in your vehicle.

Permit holders are responsible for using the correct permit to park in their assigned lot. The only guaranteed way to avoid unwanted Flex Gated charges is to remove the Flex permit from your vehicle when you don’t intend to use it for parking.

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How can I get a refund on my Flex Gated account balance?

Flex Gated permit holders may return their un-expired permit for a refund before the current parking year ends. Refunds will only be issued to customers with more than $6.25 of parking value in their parking accounts upon return of the hangtag.

Any balance remaining on the permit at the end of the parking year will be automatically transferred to a new Flex Gated permit, or refunded by check if the balance is over $6.25 in parking value. Balance transfers will be made or checks will be issued after any outstanding amounts due are cleared with existing account funds.

Because Flex customers purchase parking value with a 20% up-front discount, value refunded by check will be converted back into the initial cash value. For example: an account with $6.25 in parking value and no outstanding amounts due would be refunded with a $5 check.

Check your account balance by logging in to the eBusiness portal and selecting your active Flex permit.

Go to eBusiness

Can I receive a ParkMobile refund?

Transportation Services cannot refund payments made to ParkMobile, including accidental overpayments, or double payments. Flex permit holders are responsible for knowing the correct payment method to use for parking.

What happens to my parking costs if I start another parking session in the same day?

Flex Gated permit holders: Any time you exit and re-enter a parking ramp/garage – or move from a ramp/garage to an alternate surface lot where UW permits are required after hours – a new parking session starts and the session maximum for the rate period resets.

Flex session maximums are $12 during the daytime rate period, and $4 during the evening rate period. Because starting a new session resets the session maximum, your parking costs may increase if you start more than one parking session in the same day.

In other words, if you exit and re-enter a parking ramp in the same day, and/or move from your assigned lot to a “yellow” surface lot for after-hours parking in the same day, you may pay more to park per day compared to those who do not start multiple parking sessions in the same day.

Flex Surface permit holders: ParkMobile sessions are subject to a total daily maximum of $12. If you leave your assigned lot and come back in the same day, or move to an alternate “yellow” lot for after hours parking in the same day, ParkMobile “remembers” what you already paid in your previous session that day and your daily charge for parking will not exceed $12.

Can I use my Flex permit to park in other parking lots on campus?

Most Flex permits are lot-specific. This means you may only park in your assigned parking lot (located on your permit hangtag) during standard enforcement hours. Standard enforcement hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. You may also park in your assigned lot outside of standard enforcement hours.

All Flex permits – Gated and Surface – are also valid for after hours parking in alternate surface lots where UW permits are required from Monday through Friday, 4:30 pm to 7 am, and all day Saturday and Sunday. These are the yellow lots on the campus parking map.

You must start a ParkMobile session if you park in an alternate surface lot after hours, even if you normally park in a gated lot.

Flex Disabled permits are not lot-specific. Flex Disabled permit holders are allowed pay-per-use parking in disabled parking stalls across campus. Read more about accessible parking on campus.

If you need to park at different locations on campus during standard enforcement hours for work purposes, here are some options:

  • Contact your department or work unit to see if a UW Service permit is available for work purposes. Flex permit holders using a UW service permit must be in “paid” status in ParkMobile using their primary 5-digit zone code.
  • Apply for a business alternate permit to park in one alternate campus lot. For more details on business alternate permits, see the permit types and information page.
  • Hourly visitor parking is available in a gated lots or timed parking stalls. For more information see the visitor parking page.

Can I still park on campus if I forget my Flex permit at home?

You may purchase a temporary Flex daily permit for flat fee of $12 at a Transportation Services office location. Click the link for Transportation Services office hours and locations.

Alternatively, you may pay for hourly parking in a campus parking facility where visitor parking is available, or at a timed parking stall. Visitor parking is available in most gated facilities, and several surface lots have timed parking stalls that accept payment through ParkMobile. You will not be reimbursed for paying for parking at the visitor parking rate. For more information on visitor parking, see the visitor parking page.

Are Parking & Transit Accounts available to help pay for Flex parking?

Yes: Parking & Transit accounts are available for UW System employees. These accounts allow eligible employees to pay for certain parking and transit expenses with tax-free dollars. These funds in a parking account can be used to pay for work-related parking expenses, including Flex payments. For enrollment details and more information, visit the UW System’s Parking & Transit accounts webpage.