Parking Changes

The parking Committee has recommended and the Senior Administration has approved the following changes for the parking office to implement in the upcoming fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008.

The increased rates will be as follows:

• Commuter: $40 per month
• Reserved: $80 per month.

The rate for carpool permits will remain at $30, divided between the members of the carpool.  All other rates will remain the same. 

Additionally the opportunity to purchase a reserved spot will be made available to all.  In August, prior to parking registration, those wishing a reserved spot should fill out a reserved parking request form (http://www.parking.caltech.edu/forms/ReservedSpace_RequestForm.pdf ) and submit to the parking office.

Parking rates have been level for three years since pay for parking began in 2005.  Even with this increase our rates will be well below fees for parking in comparison to city parking fees as well as other universities. 

In the years since Caltech began charging for parking, a number of improvements to the campus lots and structures have been undertaken.  Some of these include; resurfacing parking lots, upgrading light fixtures in low-light areas, regular cleaning of all of the parking structures, increasing the number of full-size parking stalls, and increasing the number of speed bumps and bike racks across campus.  Additionally, other costs associated with campus parking are paid for through parking fees which include the electricity to light the structures and debt service on the bonds used to construct campus parking.   Future plans include additional lot resurfacing, camera upgrades, improved signage, and additional bike racks.

Caltech offers incentive programs for bikers, walkers, and users of public transportation.  The incentive program includes free daily parking passes for participant members, as well as cash subsidies for most Metro and Metrolink passes.

For individuals that are paying through payroll deduction, the increase would be effective the first full pay period of October.

• For bi-weekly payroll, the rate increase will be effective the first pay period in October.  This would be reflected in the check issued on October 17th.
• For monthly payrolls, the increase would take effect for the October paycheck.  If you are paid in advance, the increase would be reflected in the check issued October 1st.  If you are paid in arrears, the increase would be reflected in the check issued October 31st.
• For Students paying through their SBS account, the rate increase will be reflected on the October 10th Bursar’s statement.

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Voice your objection to soaring gas prices
Buy Less Gas

It’s no wonder you’re at a loss for words. Southland gas prices recently broke all-time records, and we haven’t seen the worst of it yet. There are still increases in wholesale prices that have yet to be reflected at the pumps, said US Energy Information Administration head Guy Caruso at a recent Senate hearing on gas prices.

Tools That Make It Easier Than Ever To Save Cash On Gas:

Share the Ride ... and the cost ... Carpool matching
Contact Kristina Valenzuela, Caltech’s Employee Transportation Coordinator, for help in finding a Carpool buddy. Caltech also offers a free Online Ridematching service that enables you to find commuting partners exclusively within the Caltech Community. You can register, prescreen, and contact potential carpool partners online at any time.

Skip the ride once in a while.
With prices at the pumps so high, even skipping the drive once or twice a week can add up to big gasoline savings.

Caltech offers cash incentives for monthly transit passes and Metrolink 10-trip passes.

Walk or ride your bike to work.
Caltech has a bike to work program and a walk to work program. Both programs offer three free parking passes a month, plus a monthly raffle. (The walking program raffle will begin in October of 2007.)

Consider a short-term arrangement.
If you’re not ready to commit to a regular carpool , why not try carpooling on a trial basis?
Ride Exchange, an online ride bulletin board, allows Southland commuters to post free “riders wanted and needed” ads. You may be able to sublease a seat on a vanpool or set up a short-term carpool with someone who wants to rideshare while their usual partner is on vacation. (Go to CommuteSmart.info and select the Find a Carpool/Vanpool icon.)

Sign up with Caltech’s free online ridematching service
and receive a complimentary tin of Caltech Rideshare mints for taking your first step in helping the EnviroMINT!!! (Come by the parking office, 515 S. Wilson, to pick up your Caltech Rideshare mint tin, while supplies last.)

Carpool Partners Wanted from Northridge and Covina! (Click on link for poster.)

Vanpool Partners Wanted from Santa Clarita! (Click on link for poster.)

Thank You
Caltech Parking and Commuter Services