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New Employee Parking and Transportation Information

All campus affiliates pay to park at University of California campuses, including UC Santa Cruz. The cost of lot construction and maintenance, alternative transportation options, operations, and administration are all paid for by parking permit sales.

There are many ways to get to and from campus, including an external transit system (Metro buses), an on-campus transit system (Campus Transit), a vanpool program, carpools, and a campus-specific rideshare program (Zimride). There are also bike-related commute options, including a bike shuttle from two off-campus locations, a series of bike lanes and bike paths, bike racks throughout the campus, and showers available for those commuting by bike.

If you need to bring a car to campus, there are numerous parking permit options available. The permit types most commonly used by employees are A (faculty/staff close-in) permits, R (remote lot) permits, MC (motorcycle) permits, or N (night parking only) permits.

Permits and programs that are available at no cost:

  • Remote Motorcycle parking permit (application is required)
  • TAPS Bike Shuttle
  • Bike N' Shower Program (application is required)
  • Emergency Ride Home Program (application is required)

Best Parking Permit Options for Full-time Employees

  • A Permit (quarterly, annual, or multi-year)
  • R Permit (quarterly, annual, or multi-year)
  • N permits (quarterly, annual, or multi-year) for those who start work after 3:30 p.m.
  • MC permit (annual or multi-year)

Best Parking Permit Options for Part-time Employees or Those Who Drive Occasionally

  • Daily-A Scratch-off Packets - a packet of daily A permits that are used as needed by the employee.
  • A-Limited-Day Parking Permit - those that work a regular schedule of 1, 2, 3, or 4 days per week can consider purchasing an A-Limited-Day Permit, which is valid in all A and remote parking lots on campus. This permit is offered on an Annual or Quarterly basis and requires a pre-designated schedule of 1, 2, 3, or 4 days per week. The permit is valid only on the days of the week the purchaser designates, and the schedule must remain the same for the entire period of purchase. A-Limited-Day Permits may be augmented by purchasing a scratch-off packet.

Payment Options
 Available by payroll deduction:

  • A Permit (multi-year, limited-day, carpool)
  • R Permit (multi-year, carpool)
  • N permits (multi-year) for those who start work after 3:30 p.m
  • MC Permit (multi-year)
  • UCSC vanpools
  • Faculty/Staff Annual Metro bus pass

Note: Multi-year permits do not need to be renewed from year to year, however some physical permits may need to be exchanged for updated ones.

If you have questions about your eligibilty for payroll deduction, contact the TAPS Sales Office at (831) 459-4543

Due to UC Path, payroll deductions take some time to start. New employees will need to pay for up to 5 weeks by cash, check or credit before payroll deductions begin.

Available by cash, check or credit card only:

  • A Permit (annual, quarterly, quarterly limited-day, quarterly carpool, monthly, weekly, daily)
  • R Permit (monthly, weekly, daily)
  • N permits (annual, quarterly) for those who start work after 3:30 p.m
  • MC permit (monthly, weekly, daily)
  • Faculty/Staff Quarterly Bus Pass

How To Apply 
 To purchase a parking permit, bus pass, or to enroll in a commute program, be prepared to provide proof of your employment to the Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) Sales Office.

  • Faculty will need a copy of their Academic Letter of Appointment; staff will need a copy of their ER Form.
  • For parking permits, need to provide the license plate number(s) of your vehicle(s).
  • Complete the online application.
  • If you'd like to have your permit or bus pass delivered to you via campus mail, fax your proof of employment  to (831) 459-1366 or email it to tapssales@ucsc.edu. If you plan to pick up your permit or bus pass in person, you can bring your proof of employment with you to the TAPS Sales Office during business hours (7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday).

Please allow a minimum of 72 hours for processing; it may take longer at the beginning of the quarter (during permit renewal periods).

For Vanpool Information and Enrollment
 Please contact the Vanpool Coordinator at (831) 459-4289.

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