Update, May 17, 2022: This page will be updated with information about reduced and low cost parking options for the upcoming 2022-23 parking year starting September 1. Also see the rates and policies page for 2022-23 rate and program changes.
Reduced and low-cost parking options were first announced November 2020. The program was extended through the 2021-22 parking year. UW-Madison campus administration collaborated with Transportation Services to continue the program through the upcoming 2022-23 parking year starting September 1. Those eligible for a reduced cost permit must apply in the permit application system.
Parking options include low-cost and reduced cost products valid in different parking lots across campus. Product availability will vary and may be limited.
Check out offerings from our Commuter Solutions program for other great commuting options, including the Flex (pay-per-use) program, carpool, vanpool, and biking.
Eligibility
The reduced and low-cost options are available to:
- All UW–Madison graduate and professional students
- Current 2021-22 parking year: Employees with a UW or UW Hospital salary less than $35,000 per year (in base wages)
- Upcoming 2022-23 parking year starting September 1: Employees with a UW or UW Hospital annualized salary less than $35,700 per year (in base wages)
The $35,700 earning level is comparable to the average stipend for teaching and research assistants and the annualized salary of employees making approximately $17 per hour. Base wages do not include lump sum bonuses or overtime.
These criteria were set with guidance from the Office of Human Resources (OHR) and were approved by campus administration.
2022-23 parking year permit options (Sept. 1, 2022 - Aug. 31, 2023)
Transportation Services will continue offering reduced cost parking options for the 2022-23 parking year.
Availability of the below products will vary and be limited.
| Product | Description | Purchasing details |
|---|---|---|
| Semester parking permit | $256 per semester Fall semester valid September 1 – December 31, 2022 Spring semester January 1 – May 31, 2023 |
Select availability in Lots 17, 29, 36, 46, 67, 75, 76, and 83. Available for in-person purchase starting August 1. |
| Base lot (annual) permit | $612 Valid September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023 |
Select availability in Lots 17, 29, 36, 46*, 67*, 75*, 76*, and 83*. |
* Reduced cost annual base lot permits are available in these lots only for graduate and professional students without UW or UW-affiliate appointments.
Other low-cost parking options include the Flex permit, an afternoon permit, or a night permit. Afternoon and night permits are available for purchase starting August 1, 2022 online (eBusiness portal) or at an office location.
Learn about different types of permits on the permit types and information page. Find product costs in the 2022-23 rate and fee chart.
How to apply for a 2022-23 reduced cost permit
UW and UW Health employees
UW and UW Health employees eligible for a reduced cost annual base lot permit must apply in the permit application system (PAS).
When applying for a reduced cost annual base lot permit, you must select lots where reduced cost permits are available: lots 17, 29, 36, 46, 67, 75, 76, and 83. To receive the reduced cost rate, you must be awarded a permit in one of these facilities.
Permit availability will vary and may be limited.
Read more about how to apply for parking.
UW graduate and professional students with a UW or UW-affiliate appointment
Apply in the permit application system (PAS) to be considered for a reduced cost annual base lot permit. Permit availability will vary and may be limited.
To be entered into the permit application system (PAS), please contact your unit transportation coordinator (UTC).
When applying for a reduced cost annual base lot permit, you must select lots where reduced cost permits are available: lots 17, 29, 36, 46, 67, 75, 76, and 83. To receive the reduced cost rate, you must be awarded a permit in one of these facilities.
Read more about how to apply for parking.
UW graduate and professional students without a UW or UW-affiliate appointment
Apply through the student parking process. When applying for a reduced cost annual base lot permit, you must select lots where reduced cost permits are available for students without appointments: lots 46, 67, 76, 75, and 83.
Permit availability will vary and may be limited.
2021-22 Parking Year (Sept. 1, 2021 - Aug. 31, 2022) Product Options
UW Transportation Services has been asked to expand these offerings for one additional year. This program will not be extended in the future.
Similar reduced and low cost products will be offered. Availability will vary and may be limited to a greater degree due to the anticipated increase of on-campus employees. Products are purchasable on a first-come, first-served basis.
Options include three reduced cost parking permit options, none of which require an application in the permit application system (PAS):
| Product | Description | Purchasing details |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly parking permit | $55 on-campus lot, $30 off-campus UW park and ride lot Valid for one month, can purchase up to three months at a time |
Availability will vary and may be very limited, if offered at all. Not available to purchase until October 2021; only can be purchased at an office location. |
| Semester parking permit | $253 per semester Fall semester valid Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2021 Spring semester Jan. 1 – May 31, 2022 |
Fall permit available to purchase starting August 2 only at an office location. Select availability in Lots 17, 29, 36, 44, 45, 46, 67, 75, 76, and 83. |
| Base lot (annual) permit | $606 Valid Sept. 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022 |
Available to purchase starting August 1 online (eBusiness portal) or August 2 at an office location. Select availability in Lots 17, 29, 36, 44, 45, 46, 67, 75, 76, and 83. Do not apply in the permit application system. Online purchases only available to those who meet eligibility qualifications. If you believe you qualify but are unable to see the options, please contact us and/or visit an office location. |
Other options include the prepaid multi-day pass, a Flex permit, an afternoon permit, or a night permit. Multi-day passes and afternoon and night permits are available for purchase starting August 1, 2021 online (eBusiness portal) or at an office location.
An application in the permit application system (PAS) is required for a Flex permit or a base lot permit in lots not eligible for reduced pricing. Graduate and professional students may not be eligible for all permit and lot options, as the ability to apply in PAS is dependent on employment department/unit.
Learn about different types of permits on the permit types and information page. Find product costs in the 2021-22 rate and fee chart.