TAPS Sustainable Transportation Fund
For those who want to financially contribute to sustainable transportation at UCSC, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) offers the opportunity to donate to a Sustainable Transportation Fund. Donations are optional and go towards funding TAPS’ sustainability programs including, but not limited to, Slug Bike Life, vanpool, bike share subsidies, EV charging, and employee transit programs.
Employees who wish to contribute are able to add $1, $3, $5 or another amount (up to $250) to their monthly payroll deduction.*
Undergrad and Grad students who wish to contribute are able to add $3, $9, $15, or another amount (up to $250) to their student billing portal quarterly.*
Non payroll-deduction, one-time contributions can be made through the University Relations gift fund for sustainable transportation.
*One-time or recurring donations over $250 must be made through the University Relations gift fund for sustainable transportation. All Sustainable Transportation Fund contributions are non-refundable.
Funds may be used as follows**
Less than $10,000 per year: supporting Slug Bike Life programs (e.g., free helmets and lights for affiliates).
$10,000 - $50,000: additional e-bike share subsidies for UCSC affiliates.
$50,000+: infrastructure such as EV chargers, zero emission buses, low or no emission vanpool vehicles, new bike share docking stations, etc.
**Depending on contribution levels:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why should I participate?
A: As an affiliate at UCSC, your commute to and from work is counted into the university’s overall carbon footprint. By participating in this program, you are directly helping UCSC reduce its climate impact. Go you!
Q: Who can participate?
A: There are no restrictions on who can participate. Only students and employees are eligible to have their contributions placed on their payroll deduction or their student billing account. Non-affiliates can donate through the University Relations gift fund for sustainable transportation.
Q: What will my contribution go towards?
A: Each fiscal year after 2023, TAPS will determine where funds are allocated, and projects will be published in the Slugs on the Move newsletter and on this website.
Q: Is this a carbon offset?
A: No, this is not a carbon offset. Depending on your donation level, distance of your commute, and type of vehicle, each commute has different amounts of emissions. This fund is meant to make an impact directly on campus, rather than sending the funds outside of the UCSC community as an offset.
Q: Where can I learn about what projects are funded?
A: At least once per year, TAPS will share the work that is funded in the Slugs on the Move newsletter and on this website.
Q: Are contributions tax deductible?
A: Contributions via payroll deduction or student billing accounts are not tax deductible. To make a tax deductible contribution, please visit the University Relations gift fund for sustainable transportation.
Q: I don’t want to enroll now but might want to later. Can I do that?
A: Yes, you can enroll at a later date by re-applying online or by coming in to the TAPS Sales Office. If you apply online, please email the TAPS Sales Office regarding the new application and note that you want to make a contribution.
Q: What if I enroll in this program now but later decide not to participate anymore?
A: All payroll deductions and student billing will continue until you ask for it to be discontinued. To stop recurring deductions, email the TAPS Sales Office.
Q: Are contributions refundable?
A: While parking permit fees are subject to TAPS’ return policy, Sustainable Transportation Fund contributions are non-refundable.
Q: You’re asking employees to pay to support sustainability and reduce their emissions, but how is the university reducing its own emissions?
A: UCSC is actively working to reduce emissions from its operations. We need your help and your individual action to holistically and comprehensively address emissions associated with commuting. To learn more about UCSC’s ambitious sustainability goals and accomplishments related to water, energy, food, procurement, green building, transportation, waste reduction, and more, visit the UCSC Sustainability Annual Report. To learn more about UCSC’s current effort to decarbonize and electrify campus, visit the Sustainability Office’s website.
Q: I already have to pay for my parking permit. Will I get a discount on my parking permit if I give to the Sustainable Transportation Fund?
Your parking fees support the maintenance and upkeep of campus parking areas, which are funded as an auxiliary service under UC policy. While we can’t offer a discount, we’re confident that you’ll feel great about reducing your climate impact while also improving your local community!
