Skip to main content

Options for Penn Commuters

Dear Parking Permit Holders and Penn Commuters: 

During this period of change, we are finding that many members of the Penn Community are rethinking the way they choose to commute to campus. The following information will assist you in understanding the many options available to you—including retaining your parking permit status, carpooling, and public transportation—that best fit your circumstances.

—Penn Transportation and Parking 
parking@upenn.edu
www.upenn.edu/parking

Free Parking for Penn, UPHS, and Penn Affiliates Extended Through August

Free parking for Penn, UPHS, and Penn Affiliates at University facilities will continue through the month of August. This free parking is available at these locations: Penn Museum; Chestnut 34; Walnut 38; Walnut 40 Garages; and the Penn Park lot.

Beginning September 1, Penn will resume charging fees to park in all campus garages and lots. As previously announced, permit rates will be held at the FY20 rates through December. Details about the FY21 rates can be found here.

New Options for Those Who May Need to Park on an Occasional Basis

For faculty and staff only driving to campus on an occasional basis (e.g., a couple of days per week or for half days), Penn is introducing three new options at Penn Museum, Chestnut 34, Walnut 38, and Walnut 40 Garages effective September 1st: 

  • discounted transient/visitor all-day rate of $15, payable on-site,
  • evening rate after 3:30 p.m. and an all-day weekend rate of $12, payable on-site, and,
  • 5-hour/day parking ticket for $11, payable onsite via the parking garage attendant with a Penn, UPHS, or Penn Affiliate ID. This option also may be purchased in advance at the Transportation and Parking Office.

Action for Permit Holders: Please Respond with your Choice No Later Than July 31, 2020

Recently, and email was sent to all Penn Permit Holders outlining several options available relative to their current permits and requesting that they complete a form to indicate their preferences regarding the status of their parking permit no later than July 31, 2020.

As a permit holder, you may:

  • Continue as an active permit holder. You may continue parking at your currently assigned lot/garage. On September 1st, payroll deductions will resume, and you will see the deduction in your September pay statement(s). Even if you plan to continue parking, we ask that you still complete the form.
  • Suspend your parking credentials. You may suspend your credentials between September 1st and February 1st.  During that time, you will retain your current garage or lot assignment, but your credential we be deactivated for the suspension period. If you determine you need to resume your parking during the suspension period, you may contact the Transportation and Parking Office and renew your permit, effective for the first day of the month following your request. Important Note: patrons who choose this option will be contacted prior to February 1st to confirm whether they wish to reinstate their permit privileges and the associated payroll deductions.
  • Cancel your permit. You may request cancellation of your parking permit. If you choose this option, your parking privileges will end as of September 1st. You are responsible for returning any parking access credentials in your possession (e.g. Hang Tag and AVI) to the Transportation and Parking Office. You may do so whenever you return to campus. You may also choose to do so by mailing them to the address below: 

Penn Parking
Suite 447A
3401 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Information for Commuters Who Wish to Obtain a Parking Permit

Commuters who wish to obtain a parking permit may apply online (https://penn.aimsparking.com/) for assignments that will be effective as early as the month of September. Please be aware that parking availability is limited, and it may not be possible to accommodate your preferred option. Once applications are reviewed, an email will be sent to you, advising of lot/garage availability. Applicants will be notified when parking assignments are confirmed and invited to visit the Transportation and Parking Office to pick up access credentials. You also will be notified if spaces are not available and offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list.  Please note that due to the high demand for parking that we are experiencing, our response time is longer than normal and it may take up to 10 business days to process your application.

Other Helpful Information and Options for Faculty and Staff Returning to Campus

  • Penn is experiencing a higher percentage of commuters choosing to drive—and park—their own vehicles. If a garage or lot is closed, signage will direct patrons to other nearby open facilities. To view a map of Penn lots and garages, visit www.upenn.edu/parking Please note that the Penn Park lot tends to fill up by 7:30 a.m. Penn Museum garage fills by 8:30 a.m. and the Chestnut 34 fills around 9 a.m. The best locations for parking availability are Walnut 38 and Walnut 40 Garages.
  • Staff interested in signing up for public transportation can do so with Health Equity/WageWorks, https://idp.pennkey.upenn.edu/idp/profile/SAML2/Unsolicited/SSO?providerId=WageWorks (please note, when you click this link, you will be directed to add your PennKey and password before accessing this site.) Commuters must place their September order no later than August 10. Please remember to take appropriate precautions when using public transport. Always wear a mask or face covering and do not touch your face. Physically distance to the greatest extent possible. Travel outside of peak commuting times whenever possible. Use antibacterial gel when leaving the vehicle and wash your hands thoroughly when you arrive at your destination.
  • For those interested in exploring carpool options, Penn offers a 25% discount on parking permits for 2-passenger carpools, a 50% discount for 3-passenger carpools, and 75% for 4-passenger carpools. Click here to learn more about car pool or van pool programs along with other options available in Penn’s discounted sustainable transit commuting program.
  • Penn Transit Services operates fixed-route and on-demand transportation within specific boundaries. This free service is available to PennCard holders. Download the free PennRides on Request mobile application from the App Store or Google Play or visit www.upenn.edu/PennTransit for information. Bus and shuttle services resume their normal schedules on Monday, August 24, 2020.
  • If you have not traveled to campus recently, sign up for the Division of Public Safety’s Traffic Advisories. Additionally, we remind everyone of Public Safety’s 24/7 Walking Escort Program.

The Transportation and Parking Office will resume operations on campus on Monday, August 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday. Beginning Friday, August 21, daily hours will expand to 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the meantime, staff may be reached at parking@upenn.edu

The team at Penn Parking appreciates your support for our services and encourage you to consider the many options that Penn makes available to assist in your commute to, from, and around campus. Thank you!

Back to Top