Campus News
Proposed increases to parking permits and program rates
New UC Santa Cruz parking rates, are effective 7/1/2026. Limited-day, monthly, and weekly permits will be prorated accordingly based on annual or academic year permit rates.
Dear Campus Community,
As a follow-up to the proposed increases to parking and program rates of January 30, 2026, the campus announces the following:
New UC Santa Cruz parking rates, effective 7/1/2026, are as follows. Limited-day, monthly, and weekly permits will be prorated accordingly based on annual or academic year permit rates.
- Annual A Permits will increase 10% from $765.12 to $841.63
- Annual N Permits will increase 10% from $135 to $148.50
- Academic C permits will increase 7% from $515.95 to $552.07
- Academic R permits will increase 7% from $378.72 to $405.23
- Academic NC Permits will increase 7% from $101.25 to $111.38
- Academic Motorcycle A permits will increase 10% from $168.75 to $185.63
Following the January 30, 2026 announcement regarding proposed rate adjustments, campus leadership and TAPS have prioritized community engagement to solicit comprehensive feedback. This active dialogue has provided critical insights that are being utilized to refine our strategy, with TAPS receiving a substantial volume of constructive input from various campus affiliates.
Of particular importance, a new consultative phase will commence in Fall 2026 to evaluate and establish sustainable, long-term pricing models for Fiscal Year 2028 (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028) and the following years, focusing on an initial five-year window to support longer-term planning. This strategic initiative will also identify and prioritize enhanced services and projects to be supported by the associated revenue, with the objective of finalizing the comprehensive rate schedule by Spring 2027.
Key among the recommendations received was the establishment of a formal re-evaluation mechanism. We recognize the strategic value of this suggestion and are pleased to incorporate this framework into our ongoing collaborative efforts with the Advisory Committee on Campus Transportation and Parking (ACCTP) and other key stakeholders as we continue to collect and analyze feedback.
Additionally, TAPS values the constructive feedback regarding the impact of these adjustments on campus events and their subsequent effect on university engagement. In alignment with our commitment to the university’s mission of research and public service, TAPS is actively partnering with the Arts Division and the Seymour Center to establish sustainable pricing models. More broadly, we are committed to improving parking management for all campus events. We remain dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships with campus stakeholders to ensure that transportation strategies continue to support in-person engagement and institutional outreach objectives.
Furthermore, TAPS remains dedicated to fiscal transparency and will maintain public access to budget information through online platforms. We are committed to a continuous partnership with all campus constituents to regularly assess and improve our transportation and parking strategies, budgets, and financial forecasting models.
Additional changes to TAPS parking and programs are as follows, effective July 1, 2026:
- Annual Faculty and Staff bus passes will increase to $297.60 (spouse and Dependent Quarterly Bus Passes will increase to $158.10).
- In addition to the above-mentioned increases, all parking or program rates not included in the announcement of November 19, 2025, will be subject to a 10% increase. This includes, but is not limited to, Departmental “A” Permits and “O” Permits.
- Level 2 EV charging will increase to $0.37 / kWh while charging, with a $.10 / minute idle time (after initial 15-minute grace period), and a 4% increase or other inflation adjustment to be determined each July 1st going forward.
- A new Level 3 EV charging rate will be established at $0.59 / kwH with a $1.00 / minute idle fee and a 4% increase or other inflation adjustment to be determined each July 1st going forward.
- The new digital Daily A permit replaces the legacy “Daily Scratcher” permit, which will be discontinued.
- NOTE – daily parking options are not being eliminated.
- The currently-available, digital “Daily A” permit will serve as the primary daily option for eligible campus affiliates. It will remain valid in any standard, unreserved “A” or “R” parking space.
- App-based, on-demand parking options, currently ParkMobile, will also remain.
- All parking citation fine rates shall increase 4% annually effective July 1, 2026 and a 4% increase or other inflation adjustment to be determined each July 1st going forward.
- All ADA placard or plate holders will be required to display a valid permit during posted enforcement hours, regardless of affiliate status.
For frequently asked questions and additional details, please visit the TAPS website.