Penn expands parking permit eligibility to juniors, seniors

Penn juniors and seniors will be able to apply for a limited number of University parking permits starting Aug. 4. 

The passes — which were previously solely available to graduate students — were extended to juniors and seniors, according to a July 1 Penn Parking Services email. The permits will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and students will be notified within 24 hours if their application has been approved. 

Senior Director of Business Services Joe Russo told The Daily Pennsylvanian that undergraduate students have been able to apply for parking permits in the past, but that the option was removed in recent years due to changes in demand and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Russo said that Penn Parking Services “started to hear requests from undergraduate students” over the past few years.

“We said, you know what? It probably does look like we can allow undergraduate students to park again,” he added. 

Students can apply for parking at one of three locations — Walnut 40 Garage, Spruce 38 Garage, and Penn Park Lot. Depending on the type and duration of the permit, prices range from several hundred dollars to over three thousand dollars. 

Russo said that the locations were chosen “pretty intentionally” in order for students to access college houses, off-campus housing, and the academic campus.

When they apply for parking, students will be able to rank the three garages. If accepted, they will receive a permit for one of the locations, which they can then accept or deny. 

Russo said that the exact number of undergraduate permits has not been finalized. Graduate students, he added, will maintain parking priority — they were invited to apply for permits starting July 28, one week before the application opens for undergraduates. 

“Graduate students who want parking will not be turned down because parking is now open to undergraduates,” Russo said. 

Penn offers around five thousand parking spaces in 16 locations for employees. Additionally, daily parking is available for visitors at four garages across campus.

All students may also take advantage of the free Penn Transit system using their PennCard. The Penn Bus runs on four loops through campus and nearby areas, while the Evening Safety Shuttle provides on-demand transportation starting in the evening until 3 a.m. Students with accessibility needs may submit a request with the Office of Disability Services to use Penn Accessible Transit. 

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