A skateboarder joins bicyclists pedaling in the bike lane along University Avenue against a backdrop of car lights and rush hour-traffic traveling through the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus at nightfall on Nov. 14, 2012.

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.

Pay for Flex Parking

Gated Lots

Add value to your Flex Gated permit in eBusiness.

eBusiness

Surface Lots

Pay with ParkMobile for Flex parking in surface lots.

ParkMobile

Manage Account

 Review Flex Gated transactions or pay an amount due.

eBusiness

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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How to Pay for Flex Parking

Use the chart below to determine when to use eBusiness or ParkMobile to pay for Flex parking.

Then, click through the tabs on the right for detailed information on using eBusiness and ParkMobile.

Lot or Stall Type Lot Location How to pay
Assigned gated ramp or garage Lot 6, 7, 17, 29, 36, 38, 46, 67, 75, 76, 83, or 95 eBusiness
Assigned surface lot Lot 2, 16, 34, 39, 41, 51, 59, 60, 64, 82, or 91 ParkMobile
UW-Disabled or WI-DOT Disabled stalls Click for locations of UW-DIS and WI-DOT Disabled stalls on campus ParkMobile - use zone code #25099
Surface parking lots for after-hours parking All Flex permit holders may park after-hours in "yellow" campus lots where UW permits are required 4:30 pm - 7 am, and all day Sat/Sun ParkMobile

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Flex Gated permit holders log into eBusiness to manage their parking permits in the following ways:

  • Add parking value to the permit before arriving on campus to park
  • Check the current balance of parking value on the permit
  • Download a detailed history of parking sessions recorded in your assigned lot
  • Pay off an amount due

Each Flex Gated permit is linked to the gate system where the permit is assigned: Lot 6, 7, 17, 29, 36, 38, 46, 67, 75, 76, 83, or 95. The gate system scans your permit when you enter and exit the lot, and automatically deducts value from your permit when you leave. Funds are deducted at the visitor parking rate.

Your permit must be pre-loaded with value before you try to park in your assigned lot. Flex Gated permit holders purchase visitor parking value at a 20% discount. You may purchase enough visitor parking value to cover multiple parking sessions and carry a balance of $300 of parking value at a time.

Any parking value remaining on a Flex Gated permit at the end of a parking year does not carry over to the next parking year. Permit holders may return their permit before July 1 and receive a refund on remaining value only if there is more than $12.50 of value on the permit. Refunds on parking value are not offered after July 1.

Go to eBusiness

How to add value to a Flex Gated permit How to check account balance and transaction history How to pay an amount due
1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials. 1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials. 1. Log in to eBusiness with your NetID or UW Health credentials.
2. Click "Permits" (top menu) and select "View Your Permits." 2. Click "Permits" (top menu) and select "View Your Permits." 2. Click "Permits" (top menu) and select "View Your Permits."
3. Click on your active Flex permit number. 3. Click on your active Flex permit number. 3. Click on your active Flex permit number.
4. Click the "Add Value" button. Read the instructions on the "Add additional value" page. 4. The next screen will show the current visitor parking value on your Flex Gated account. 4. On the "Your Permit Details" page, there may be an "Amount Due." Click "Add to Cart."
5. Select the value amount you want to add in increments of $5. Then click "Next" to complete the purchase process. 5. Scroll down and click the "View Activity History" button. The system will generate a PDF of parking transactions for the past 180 days. 5. Click the cart icon and choose "Pay Now" to start the transaction process.
Please note the Flex parking rate is applied as a 20% discount on visitor parking value when you add value to your permit. 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.

More resources:

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

Download Flex Gated Brochure (PDF)

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Use ParkMobile for Flex parking if:

  • Your Flex permit is assigned to Lot 2, 16, 34, 39, 41, 51, 59, 60, 64, 82, or 91.
  • You want to park after hours in an alternate surface (“yellow”) lot where UW permits are required between 4:30 pm – 7 am on weekdays, or all day Saturday/Sunday.
  • You are a Flex Disabled permit holder (use ParkMobile zone code #25099).
  • You are a Flex permit holder using a UW Service permit to park. Use your primary 5-digit zone code located on your Flex hangtag.

You must create an account with the third-party payment system ParkMobile, and start a ParkMobile session when (or before) you arrive on campus to park.

When starting a parking session in ParkMobile, be sure to 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).

Go to ParkMobile

How to set up a ParkMobile account How to start a ParkMobile session
There are three ways to set up an account: You will need:
1. With ParkMobile mobile app 1. Your license plate number
2. Set up an account online at parkmobile.io 2. The 5-digit Parkmobile zone number located on your Flex hangtag
3. Set up by phone at 877-PARK-003 (877-727-5003) 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 Flex Surface parking and ParkMobile resources:

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

Download Flex Surface brochure (PDF)

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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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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 (starting Fall 2022) 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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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 pre-loading their permit with value 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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What is the deadline for Flex Gated account refunds?

Flex Gated permit holders may return their un-expired permit for a refund before July 1. Refunds will only be issued to customers with more than $12.50 of parking value ($10 cash) in their parking accounts upon return of the hangtag.

Any balance remaining on a parking account when permits expire at the end of a parking year (August 31) will be forfeited.

Flex Gated permit holders are responsible for tracking the funds in their parking accounts. It is recommended that permit holders use all the value on their permits between July 1 and August 31 to avoid forfeiting a remaining balance at the end of the parking year.

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. Read more about how to use ParkMobile.

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.