Main campus parking enforcement includes nights and weekends; Courtesy 'After-Hours' permits available for Stanford affiliates

To support campus health and safety and more effectively manage external visitors, as of Nov. 2, parking enforcement on Stanford’s main campus was extended to include nights and weekends. Stanford affiliates can continue to park after hours at no additional charge, either with an existing permit or by registering their vehicle for a Courtesy ‘After-Hours’ permit. Read our article to learn more.

Free and Discounted Stanford Transportation Programs

We are offering information to support the transportation and mobility needs of the Stanford community. We are continuing to provide commute assistance where we are able to do so. However, we recognize that commuting is a personal choice. Stanford commuters are encouraged to assess and select the option(s) that best meet their needs.

 

There have been a number of updates to the free and discounted programs we offer as a result of COVID-19. The list below reflects what is currently available. Please note that the rules and policies of these programs may change without notification to eligible participants.

For all Stanford affiliates

For eligible commuters

  • Free Caltrain (Go Pass), VTA (SmartPass), and East Bay express buses. Free transit on Caltrain with Go Pass and VTA with SmartPass for most benefits-eligible employees. Ride AC Transit’s Line U East Bay express bus for free with a Stanford ID. 
  • Free AC Transit (EasyPass). Benefits-eligible university and hospital employees living in the East Bay are eligible for the EasyPass. AC Transit serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Sobrante, Fairview, Kensington, Irvington, North Richmond, and San Lorenzo.
  • Pilot Go Pass programs for off-campus graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Eligible off-campus graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can receive a free Caltrain Go Pass, which offers unlimited travel on Caltrain between all zones for the calendar year. 
  • Free SamTrans. Free transit for eligible employees at Stanford Redwood City (SRWC).
  • Free Emergency Ride Home program. Any Stanford commuter who uses alternative transportation may enroll in Stanford’s Emergency Ride Home program.
  • Savings on transit parking and passes. Most benefits-eligible employees may request pre-tax payroll deduction for purchases of Caltrain parking and selected transit passes, which provides income and FICA tax savings on these purchases.
  • And more. Learn about discounted transit, bicycle safety offers, and free commute planning in the preceding “For all Stanford affiliates” section.

Discounts through other organizations

  • Discount transit programs for qualified, low-income riders. Clipper START is a pilot program offering 20% to 50% discounts off single-ride fares at participating agencies. The Community Assistance Program also offers fare discounts of up to 50% on the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE). Both programs have eligibility requirements and are available to anyone, including non-Stanford affiliates.