Parking rates set for 2000-01

Campus parking rates will increase 5 percent on average for the 2000-01 year, according to transportation officials.

The Campus Transportation Committee approved the annual parking permit increases, which range from a $10 increase in Lot 60 to a $45 increase in the Van Hise Ramp (Lot 23).

The overall average increase is less than last year’s average 7 percent rate hike, which helped finance several new parking ramps on campus. The parking increases are outlined in a letter to be mailed this week to all permit holders from UW–Madison Transportation Services Director Lori Kay.

Kay says a new program still being negotiated with Madison Metro may be a reality by fall. The proposed universal bus pass for faculty and staff would be good for all Metro lines, including the campus “L” line. Cost for the pass could be as low as $20 to $30. Kay hopes the program will be formally announced later this year, and she encourages interested employees to register for more details when they become available.

“As always, we will continue to urge everyone to ‘Try a Different Mode’ once or twice a week, either through the new bus pass program, vanpooling, carpooling, biking (at least part of the year) or walking,” Kay writes in her letter to permit holders.

As was the case last year, campus parking costs can be offset through the university’s pre-tax deduction program. Instituted last year, the program allows faculty and staff to reduce their parking permit and annual bus pass costs through payroll deduction.

The deduction program subtracts the designated amount from an employee’s gross pay before federal taxes are calculated. State taxes still apply. It is similar to the university’s tax-sheltered annuity program.

The transportation committee also approved changes in the permits used by departments, vendors and for other special uses. The service “B” and “C” permits will be merged with the “A” permit this year, and then the service “A” permit will be replaced the following year. A new series of “D” permits designed to address the various special parking needs on campus will be introduced in 2001-02.