Carpools

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Policy Number:
UW-6116
Old Policy Number:
TS-43 + 60
Responsible Office:
Transportation Services

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Carpools are an important alternative to single occupancy vehicles in UW–Madison parking lots and reduce the demand for parking. A carpool is two or more employees (who qualify for parking, including spouses) who drive together in one vehicle. A carpool with three or more members has a significant impact on lowering the demand for parking and may qualify for a carpool permit. All UW faculty, staff, and students who wish to park in UW lots are required to pay for parking.

Scope:

Faculty and staff.

Policy:

Policy

Faculty and staff who meet all eligibility and priority requirements for annual base lot assignments may apply for a carpool permit and/or register as a member of a carpool. Carpool permit offers will take priority over annual base lot assignments. Each year: 1) carpool registration must be submitted online for approval (for both annual permit carpools and carpool permits); and 2) an application for a permit must be submitted.

  • Carpool permits are reserved for carpools with three or more members who meet the eligibility requirements for a campus carpool.
  • Carpool permits will be issued on a first come, first served basis to approved carpools and do not go through the priority assignment process. One (1) carpool permit (hangtag) will be issued per carpool.
  • One carpool member is assigned responsibility for the permit, including:
    1. Registering the carpool and (if applicable) applying for:
      1. [Two or more people] an annual (base lot, Flex, park and ride) permit OR
      2. [Three or more people] a carpool permit through the carpool form on the UW-Madison Transportation Services webpage.
    2. Purchasing and selecting a payment method for a permit: Options include payroll deduction, cash, check, or credit card.
    3. Returning the permit when the carpool is disbanded and/or parking is no longer needed.
    4. Notifying UW-Madison Transportation Services when a carpool member leaves and/or a new carpool member joins.
    5. Notifying UW-Madison Transportation Services of vehicle plate changes as carpool members cancel their assignment.
    6. Notifying UW-Madison Transportation Services when an existing carpool falls below the required three (3) member minimum. The carpool will have 30 days to register a new member before their carpool permit is canceled. Base lot/Flex/carpool permit holders with registered carpools are responsible for notifying UW-Madison Transportation Services when an existing registered carpool falls below the required two (2) member minimum.
  • Each registered and approved member of the carpool may receive six (6) free temporary one-day permits for their assigned lot each parking year, for use on campus when the carpool’s permit is not available. Carpoolers registered for a carpool associated with a Flex permit must pay for parking when using their six (6) temporary one-day permits.
  • Carpool members are eligible to purchase an annual Flex, afternoon, moped, motorcycle, night, park and ride, or temporary daily permit.

Eligibility Criteria

UW-Madison Transportation Services uses the following criteria in determining carpool eligibility:

  • The permit holder must be employed by UW–Madison or an affiliated group/department. All carpool members must be employees of UW Madison or an affiliated group/department. Students are not eligible as members of a carpool.
  • Any member who is not the primary permit holder for the carpool must return all current base lot and business alternate permits before joining the carpool.
  • Two (2) or more person carpools may be registered for a base lot, park and ride, or Flex permit.
  • The permit must be hung from the vehicle’s rearview mirror or displayed in a plastic pouch on the inside lower left-hand corner of the windshield. Remove all items from the mirror or window that block view of the permit. The entire permit must be visible when the vehicle is parked on campus.

Restrictions

  • Carpool members may not register under more than one carpool.
  • Carpool permits are valid in permit stalls only.
  • UW Disabled (DIS) and business alternate permits will not be assigned to carpools.
  • Permits are not valid in restricted areas such as: fire lanes, timed parking stalls, reserved stalls, disabled stalls without a state DOT permit, disabled stall access aisles, loading zones, construction areas, sidewalks, driveways or grass areas. Unless otherwise noted, those parking with permits in restricted areas may be subject to citation and at the owner’s expense.
  • UW-Madison Transportation Services has the right to reserve lots/ramps for event parking on campus. Parking may be sold in advance or at the lot entrance on a first come basis. Lots restricted for an event will be posted at the lot entrance or lot restrictions will be emailed to permit holders who will be affected by an event.
  • UW-Madison Transportation Services has the authority to close a lot for construction, maintenance or safety issues. Permit holders will be notified in advance of lot closures, whenever possible. Permit holders may be relocated at any time.
  • Vehicles may not be stored (parked) for more than 72 hours without permission from UW-Madison Transportation Services. Stored vehicles are subject to citation and tow at the owner’s expense.
  • The permit holder is responsible for returning their permit, along with the cancellation form, to notify UW-Madison Transportation Services when employment is terminated and/or the parking assignment is no longer needed. The permit holder will be charged for each day the permit is assigned to them. Refunds or payroll deduction cancellations will not be processed until the permit is returned to Transportation Services.
  • If your assigned lot is full, park in a permit stall in the next closest non-gated lot. You must immediately report to UW-Madison Transportation Services which lot is full, your vehicle information, and the reason for relocating.
  • Report lost/stolen permits or passes to UW-Madison Transportation Services immediately. Customers may be assessed a fee for replacing lost or stolen permits.
  • Vehicles using altered or counterfeit permits are subject to citation and tow at the owner’s expense.
  • Failure to follow UW-Madison Transportation Services policies may result in revoked parking privileges.
Related UW-Madison Policies:
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Permit rates available on UW-Madison Transportation Services website

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Assistant Vice Chancellor of UW-Madison Transportation Services
Policy Manager:
Director of Parking Operations
Contact:
Director of Parking Operations -- Tanara Teal-Tate, tanara.tealtate@wisc.edu, (608) 263-9591
Effective Date:
05-01-2014
Revised Dates:

03-01-2003, 03-01-2004, 03-01-2005, 03-01-2006, 03-01-2010, 05-01-2011, 03-01-2013, 03-01-2018, 02-01-2019, 05-19-22

Retrieved:
07-06-2022 23:49:09