As part of Penn’s integrated transit solution, the University offers a wide array of options for commuting to campus. They are designed to accommodate a variety of circumstances and include discounted, pre-tax purchases of passes that can be used for the robust network of transit systems that serve Penn’s campus to the Occasional Parking Program that serves as an alternative to the monthly parking permit. Currently, up to $265 of your monthly commuter fare costs can be paid for through pre-tax payroll deductions, and utilizing these commuting methods contributes to the goals of Penn’s Climate Action Plan. Visit the Penn Transportation and Parking website at www.upenn.edu/transportation for further information or contact the staff in the Transportation and Parking office by emailing parking@upenn.edu 

Penn’s Occasional Parking Program—For those instances when Penn faculty and staff have a need to drive and park on campus, sustainable transit program participants who receive monthly payroll deductions can receive 10 daily parking permits per year at a significant discount. 

Local and Regional Public Transit—Commuters can travel to and from campus by bus, trolley, subway or railway via local and regional transit authorities such as SEPTA, PATCO, NJ Transit, DART and Amtrak. Discounts of up to 10% are available, depending on the commuter fare, along with options for monthly payroll deduction. For those who are interested in commuting by SEPTA, specific questions about travel options and schedules can be addressed in person by SEPTA staff at the SEPTA Travel Center @Penn, located on the first floor of the Penn Bookstore (Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.). 

WageWorks 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 the VISA Card for payment. The monthly amount placed on commuter credit cards is discounted by 5%. 

Vanpools—Penn Transportation and Parking has joined with Enterprise Rideshare, a national leader in vanpooling and sustainable transportation, to offer vanpooling options that are available throughout the region, including New Jersey and Delaware. The average cost of participating in a vanpool is between $100 and $150 monthly (depending on location and the number of riders). 

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

—Penn Parking Services