UW–Madison campus administration collaborated with Transportation Services to temporarily expand parking options for graduate and professional students and lower-paid employees (see specific to the right). These groups include many public transportation users, some who may feel a bus commute is not currently their safest travel option to and from campus, despite safety protocols in place for Metro Transit and campus bus operations.
Metro Transit operations follow local, state, and federal public health recommendations. Campus bus routes follow the same safety procedures. Learn more at the Transportation Services Covid-19 Response Hub.
Parking options include low-cost and reduced cost products valid in different parking lots across campus. Permit and pass availability will vary and may be limited.
The reduced and low-cost options were first announced in November 2020 and intended to only be for the 2020-21 parking year. A one-time extension has been granted for the 2021-22 parking year. This program will not be extended in the future.
Be sure to check out offering 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
- Employees with a UW or UW Hospital salary less than $35,000 per year (in base wages)
The $35,000 earning level is comparable to the average stipend for teaching and research assistants and the annualized salary of employees making approximately $15-$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.
Product options
- 2020-21 Parking Year (Sept. 1, 2020 - Aug. 31, 2021)
- 2021-22 Parking Year (Sept. 1, 2021 - Aug. 31, 2022)
Reduced and low-cost parking options were announced in November 2020. Read the full news announcement
Options include three reduced cost parking permit options:
- 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
- Semester parking permit – $250 per semester (cost prorated); Fall semester valid Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2020, Spring semester Jan. 1 – May 31, 2021
- Base lot (annual) permit – $500 (cost prorated); valid Nov. 1, 2020 – August 31, 2021
Other options include the new prepaid multi-day pass, a Flex permit, an afternoon permit, or a night permit. More information about these options, including prices, descriptions, lot options, and purchasing details can be found in the reduced cost parking options chart (PDF).
Permit and pass availability will vary and may be limited. Purchases can be completed in person at a Transportation Services office or via the contactless drive-thru at the 21 N. Park Street office. Some purchases may be completed online; see the full product listing chart for more information: Reduced cost parking options chart (PDF).
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).:
- 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. 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.
- No application in the permit application system is required. 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 the different types of permits on the permit types and information page. Find 2021-22 product costs in the 2021-22 rate and fee chart.