Transportation Update
SDSU Community,
We are sharing the following updates for SDSU parking and transportation, which will be effective July 1, 2025 unless otherwise noted. Summary:
- Overnight Parking: Overnight student parking permits will no longer be valid in the P7 Parking Structure, P12 Parking Structure, and the P15 Parking Lot effective August 20, 2025.
- Parking Closures:
- The P11 Parking Lot will close permanently for the construction of the Evolve Housing development effective March 28, 2025.
- The P6B Parking Lot will close for several years to support Evolve Housing development effective March 14, 2025.
- The P16 Parking Lot will close for several years on March 15, 2025 to support North Life Sciences construction. Limited parking will remain available for Building A and the SDSU Garage.
- Parking Rate Increase: Long-term rates will increase by 6% for MPP, auxiliary staff, students*, guests, and other employees who are not members of a collective bargaining unit with negotiated parking rates. Members of collective bargaining units may receive parking rate adjustment notices through their union if applicable.
- SDSU continues to offer MTS transit pass discounts for employees and students. Full-time, benefitted employees are eligible for a pre-tax payroll deduction and a 3-month trial transit pass. Students 18 years old and under are eligible for fare free transit through the Youth Opportunity Pass program.
- SDSU's subsidized Commute Share (aka vanpool) program through Commute with Enterprise is available for groups that wish to save money and share the ride.
- The Zipcar car share fleet has expanded to 21 vehicles, including electric vehicles.
- PATS has created a Transportation Liaison program for employees and students. The liaisons will serve as representatives for transportation programs and services. If you're interested, please sign up using this Google Form.
- SDSU will discontinue the practice of issuing a complimentary motorcycle parking permit with the purchase of a long-term parking permit or payroll deduction. Motorcycle permits can be separately purchased in the Transportation Portal.
- EV charging rates will increase from $0.26/kWh to $0.37/kWh effective April 7, 2025.
More information for each of these items is included below:
Transit Pass Programs
SDSU is well served by transit, including the Green Line trolley station and 7 bus routes. Many MTS stations have free daily parking available.
Students are eligible for a discounted and subsidized monthly or semester transit pass through Parking and Transportation Services. Students under the age of 19 are eligible for fare-free transit through the Youth Opportunity Pass program.
PATS offers a 42% discount for employee and student monthly transit passes. Full-time, benefitted employees are eligible for pre-tax payroll deduction for further savings. Full-time, benefitted employees who are interested in having the cost of the discounted pass deducted from their compensation, please complete this Google form to get started or email [email protected] for questions.
Commute Share (aka Vanpool)
Did you know that the average car owner in California spends over $14000 for their vehicle? SDSU has a commute sharing program through Commute with Enterprise to help employees and students reach campus in a modern vehicle. All drivers must be at least 25 years old and meet other criteria. Each van is eligible for a $500 subsidy from SANDAG. The monthly fee varies between $150 and $265 per passenger based on the type of vehicle and distance. The monthly fee includes fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking, and a guaranteed ride home program - no hidden fees or gimmicks! If you are interested in joining a commute sharing vehicle, please complete this Google form. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Zipcar Car Sharing
There are 21 Zipcar car sharing vehicles distributed on the main campus, including three electric vehicles. Car sharing is an affordable alternative to car ownership, and Zipcar fees include insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking. SDSU affiliates can sign up for discounted membership and usage fees by using their SDSU email address. Sign up for discounted rates and get started here. Receive a complimentary Zipcar membership ($25 value) or a $25 driving credit while supplies last. Claim your credit here or email PATS at [email protected] with your RedID number and your selection of a complimentary Zipcar membership ($25 value) or a $25 driving credit.
Parking Rate Changes
Parking rates in the SDSU Transportation portal will increase by 6%. For represented employees with negotiated parking rates via a Collective Bargaining Agreement, rates will be increased to the extent allowable by the contract.
Under state policy, parking is a self-sustaining service, and vehicle parking fees support the construction, maintenance, repair, and administration of parking areas. Parking fees also support traffic control measures and other programs that help reduce traffic, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution. The state of California does not provide funding for commuter parking areas and tuition and mandatory fees cannot be used for parking.
In conjunction with an increase to long-term parking permit rates noted above, SDSU will continue to offer "daily-choice" parking in the P3 Structure, P4 Structure, P17 lots, and P15. The daily rate for a 24-hour permit is $4.75, and can be purchased through the PayByPhone app. Daily-choice helps offer affordable parking options in areas with lower parking utilization without having to pay the full cost of a semester or monthly permit up front.
*Student summer semester permits will not increase until fall semester permit sales begin in August.
| Permit Type | Current Non-CBA Rates* | Updated Non-CBA Rates* |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2025 |
| Daily - Affiliate | $7.42 | $7.87 |
| Daily - Non-Affiliate | $9.54 | $10.11 |
| Daily Mobile App Payment Rate (PayByPhone or other app) in P3,P4, P17, P15 | $4.75 | $4.75 |
| Weekly Day-Time Only | $16.00 | $17.00 |
| Weekly 24-Hour Permit | $24.00 | $26.00 |
| Monthly Day-Time Only | $42.00 | $45.00 |
| Monthly 24-Hour Permit | $64.00 | $67.00 |
| Semester Day-Time | $184.00 | $196.00 |
| Semester 24-hour | $293.00 | $310.00 |
| Summer Day-Time | $123.00 | $130.00 |
| Summer 24-hour | $192.00 | $203.00 |
| Semester Motorcycle | $39.00 | $42.00 |
| Summer Motorcycle | $28.00 | $29.00 |
| Monthly Payroll (MPP/UAW/Aux/Confidential) | $42.00 | $45.00 |
| SP Permits | $32.00 | $34.00 |
| Non-Affiliate Monthly Permits | $69.00 | $73.00 |
| Leasing Rate | $100.00 | $106.00 |
Other Changes:
- Refund Policy - A $21 admin fee will be applied to refunds, and PATS has updated the proration method for refunds. The fee will help to recover the costs of issuing refunds and ensure that PATS can provide high levels of customer service during peak periods. Please see the PATS Refund Policy page for more information.
- Student day-time parking permits purchased through the transportation portal will now be valid between 5:00am - 2:00am, previously 6:00am - 1:00am.
- A $50 late fee may apply for event/construction requests that are submitted less than 5 business days in advance of the event.
- Beginning Monday, April 7, rates for all electric vehicle (EV) charging on campus will increase to $0.37 per kWh. The price adjustment is due to rising energy costs, but it remains below the average electric cost per kWh for public charging. This is part of SDSU's continued public-private partnership with Carbon Solutions Group to maintain existing campus Level 2 chargers, expand their numbers and add fast chargers, all at no upfront cost to SDSU for the additional infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to 2024, parking rates had not increased in five years, and have not kept pace with inflation since 2015. In that time, parking-related repairs, maintenance, and staffing costs have increased significantly. As a self-sustaining unit, parking rates must reflect the cost of maintaining the parking system. A comparative analysis of SDSU Southern California peer institutions found that SDSU's day-time semester permit, which is the most popular parking permit at SDSU, has a 46% lower price than similar parking permits at peer institutions.
A review of regional peer institutions found that SDSU's rates are significantly lower. SDSU's day-time semester parking rate is 46% lower than our peer CSU institutions in Southern California (average of $286/semester compared to SDSU's $196/semester). Additionally, the semesterly parking rate is 72% lower than CSU San Marcos ($338/semester).
Major event parking rates are typically higher than regular parking rates due to the increased demand and the additional resources required to accommodate large crowds. For major events, such as concerts, sporting events, or university commencements, more parking spaces are needed, and operational costs increase to ensure smooth traffic flow, safety, and convenience for all attendees. This includes additional staffing, security, event coordination, and sometimes special traffic management. These higher rates help cover the increased logistical costs of managing these large-scale events while ensuring that the university can continue offering sufficient parking options for everyday use at standard rates.
The university has many programs to provide transportation options. You can find out more information about transit programs, car sharing, commute sharing, micromobility, and more here.
Yes. If you no longer wish to have a payroll deduction, you must submit a request to end the payroll deduction via email to [email protected]. Cancellations will be based on the State Controller’s Office reporting timeline.
During the Fall 2024 semester, very few students obtained the complimentary motorcycle permit if they had a semester permit. The complimentary motorcycle permit enables affiliates to have two permits without paying, and it is not possible to effectively enforce. SDSU now offers daily-choice parking for those that park on a less frequent basis.
In conjunction with a 1988 student referendum, SDSU parking structures P7 & P12 were built to support events at Viejas Arena. Special event parking rates help cover the costs of the parking system, which supports affordable rates for students, staff, and faculty. As a result, SDSU Parking & Transportation Services ensures these parking structures can accommodate guest parking for special events. To ensure these accommodations are possible, SDSU Parking & Transportation Services may close P7 and/or P12 to commuter parking on event days, allowing more room for event guests. Alternative parking is available in the P3 and P4 structures as well as the P15 and P17 lots. Commuters who are already parked prior to closure will not be required to move. Notices for upcoming closures will be placed on signage at the entries of each garage at least 3 days in advance of the event, and will also be displayed on the PATS website. To subscribe to email alerts in advance of closures, enter your name and email here.