Dear Penn Permit Holders:

Parking rates for FY2024 are now available and represent a 5% increase over FY2023. The increase represents an average of $10/month, and these rates remain favorable to comparable parking facilities in University City. Importantly, we have listened to your feedback about other areas and anticipate significant investments in technological advancements and equipment. Among the many enhancements we are pursuing are the modernization of equipment that will reduce garage access failures; upgraded payment kiosks with additional payment options and less processing time; dynamic signage that can provide targeted messages; two-way communication applications to live customer-service personnel; and improvements to the permit parking application process and payment options.

We have worked diligently to minimize the impact on permit rates to the extent possible while maintaining our responsibility to invest resources in Penn’s parking and transportation infrastructure in support of the campus community. Improvement projects totaling $10M to improve garages and lots that were deferred due to the pandemic-related delays are now planned.

Examples include, but are not limited to, elevator car replacement at Chestnut 34 garage; concrete repairs throughout our locations; preventative maintenance and repairs to Spruce 38 garage; painting, restriping, and updated signage; and engineering assessments that support the maintenance and life extension of our facilities.

¹ Rates reflect the permit holder’s payroll deduction

The new permit rates will be implemented in your first July 2023 payroll.

Permit holders are encouraged to review all of Penn’s commuting programs, many which are supported by pre-savings offered as part of the University’s Sustainable Transit Initiative. They are designed to accommodate a variety of circumstances, and some include discounted, pre-tax purchases of passes that can be used for the robust network of public transportation systems serving Penn’s campus. Currently, up to $300 of monthly commuter fare costs may be paid for through pre-tax payroll deductions.

Penn’s Occasional Parking Program–The Occasional Parking Program is for faculty and staff who usually commute to work by mass transit but find that they need to park from time to time. The program allows an individual to purchase up to 10 passes for Penn's Walnut 40 Garage at $6.50 per parking pass.  The passes may only be purchased once in a calendar year.  Payment must be made by payroll deduction using pre-tax benefit dollars. Passes can be requested and paid for at the Penn Parking & Commuter Services Office, located at 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 447a. 

Local and Regional Public Transit–Commuters can travel to and from campus by bus, trolley, subway, or rail via transit authorities such as SEPTA, PATCO, NJ Transit, DART, and Amtrak. Discounts of up to 10% are available along with options for monthly payroll deduction. Effective September 1, the commuter discount increases to 50% with a maximum amount of $105 per month for transportation options including SEPTA’s Monthly City TransPass and Monthly Regional TrailPass (does not include SEPTA Key’s Travel Wallet),  PATCO, New Jersey Transit, and Amtrak (prepaid 10-pack tickets and Monthly Pass).

Health Equity Commuter Cards–Commuter Cards are accepted at transit agencies, fare vending machines, and designated transit retail centers that sell transit passes, tickets, fare cards, and accept VISA cards for payment. They can also be used in SEPTA commuter parking lots.  Payroll deductions are made with pre-tax dollars and the Commuter Card offers a 5% discount.  

Vanpools–Enterprise Rideshare, a national leader in vanpooling and sustainable transportation, offers vanpooling options that are available throughout the region, including Delaware and New Jersey.  Program participants benefit from reduced commuting costs. 

Carpools–Parking permit patrons can take advantage of parking discounts by teaming up with fellow Penn or UPHS employees to form a carpool. Discounts are based on the number of participants in the carpool.

Bike Commuter Expense Reimbursement Program–Offers reimbursement of bicycle commuting expenses to eligible faculty and staff for qualified out-of-pocket expenses up to $240 annually.

Customer Service Options–For questions regarding a new or existing commuter card order, please call Health Equity at 1-877-924-3967 and follow the prompts.

Inquiries about the SEPTA Key Card and available transportation fare products may be directed to SEPTA Key Card Customer Service at 1-855-56-SEPTA (1-855-567-3782).

Penn Parking & Commuter Services is your information resource for questions regarding campus parking sites, rates, and availability, or any issues with point-of-sale payment in our garages or lots.  Please contact our staff at parking@upenn.edu.

—Penn Parking & Commuter Services