Frequently Asked Questions: Permit Rates
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If I have a long-term parking permit set with an end date after August 31, 2023, will it get canceled due to the new rates?
No, you do not have to do anything; starting September 1, the new rate will automatically be deducted from your credit card or payroll deduction.
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Why has Stanford increased rates now?
For the first time since 2019, the university has implemented an increase as of September 1, 2023. Since parking revenues fund our transportation programs and operational costs, rates must keep pace with increased costs to enable us to deliver effective, reliable, and safe transportation programs for the Stanford community. For example, labor and operational costs for the free Marguerite shuttle service have increased in recent years, reflecting the higher cost of living in the Bay Area and the highly competitive market for bus services and operators as we compete with tech companies for these resources.
Parking revenues also help fund maintenance for parking garages and lots. This cost has increased as the university has built multi-level parking garages to meet the needs of commuters and residents. Parking garages are more efficient land use and increase capacity to serve our permit holders better, but they come with higher maintenance costs.
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How are parking permits priced?
The long-established parking permit prices are designed with specific goals in mind. The ‘A’ permit is designed as a tool for university affiliates who need mobility throughout the day. The ‘A’ permit provides additional flexibility on arrival time and proximity to their work location. The ‘C’ permit is designed as a less expensive alternative to the ‘A’ for university affiliates who come in and/or leave early and who don’t have to use or move their cars during the day.
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Why have ‘A’ permit rates increased at a higher percentage than the ‘C’ permit?
For years, Stanford’s parking permit system has been structured to provide the ‘C’ permit as a more affordable option for commuters who are able and willing to park in areas that may be less convenient or more distant from their destinations.
For those who want or need to park closer to their destinations and expect convenient parking throughout the day, the ‘A’ permit provides this option at a premium.
Consistent with this approach and recognizing the challenges around affordability in the Bay Area, the increase for the ‘C’ permit was minimal for the 2023-24 fiscal year (FY 24)—maintaining a lower-cost option for those who want or need it—while the ‘A’ permit increased by a higher amount to reflect increases in transportation-related expenses.
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What if I want to change my parking permit from an ‘A’ to a ‘C’ or vice versa?
It is always best to change permit privileges at the beginning of a calendar month to avoid paying for two permits in one month. If you currently have a ‘C’ permit, you would wait until the last day you parked in a month and cancel that permit after you leave for the day to avoid paying for two permits. You would want to purchase the new permit on the 1st day of the month as the effective date.
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I am renewing my parking. Why is the new September 2024 being applied to my permit rate in August?
If you are buying parking beginning in August 2023 that will continue into the new fiscal year, please purchase in two transactions - one for your August permit and a second beginning in September through your desired end date.
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How are parking rates set?
Parking pricing is vital to an efficient parking system and represents Stanford's commitment to sustainability.
As the campus population grows and services become more expensive, the costs associated with these and other sustainable commute programs, including the free Marguerite Shuttle, also increase. More details in "Why Does Stanford Charge for Parking?"
Revenue from parking permits helps fund parking maintenance and sustainable transportation programs.
Our permit system and parking fee structure ensure effective parking management and sufficient parking availability.
Research shows parking fees are critical to reducing the drive-alone rate - a top sustainability goal for Stanford that is also important for meeting campus and hospital land use regulations set by Santa Clara County and the City of Palo Alto, respectively.
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Will Stanford increase the number of ‘C’ parking spaces?
Stanford Transportation continually monitors parking space inventory and adjusts available permit type inventory based on the parking demand. To justify the cost of the 'A' permit, the University ensures ‘A’ parking is always readily available, which might explain why you may see empty ‘A’ spaces when driving through a campus parking facility. It’s imperative to ensure that affiliates who purchase an ‘A’ can always find a space.
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I am concerned about the cost of 2023-24 parking permits. What can you do to help me?
If you are currently an ‘A’ or ‘C’ permit holder, here are some options to consider:
Our team can help identify ways to save on commuting costs so you can join thousands of peers and colleagues who take advantage of Stanford’s generous commute incentives – even if you choose a sustainable commute for just a day or two a month. Learn about all of our free and discounted transportation programs.
Check your eligibility and request pass(es) for the free Caltrain Go Pass, VTA SmartPass, and AC Transit EasyPass.
Join a free Stanford vanpool. Find open seats on our current vanpool page or browse the Stanford-only ridematching site. We have 18 vanpools—and your vanpool vehicle is free.
If you can only adopt a sustainable commute some of the time, daily parking permits are available on days you need to drive alone.
For help planning your sustainable commute, explore our Commute Toolkit or schedule a virtual 15-minute One-on-One Commute Consultation. Questions? Contact us at transportation@stanford.edu.
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Why have residential parking permit rates increased at a higher percentage than commuter parking permits?Pricing beginning September 1, 2023, reflects that residential permit parking is valid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, vs. a commuter permit, valid only on weekdays from 6 a.m.- 4 p.m., excluding university holidays.