The University of Chicago remains committed to minimizing the impact of single occupancy vehicle (SOV) travel upon the institution, its surrounding neighborhoods, and the region at large. SOV travel contributes to the region’s worsening traffic congestion, adversely affects air quality and causes parking to spill over into our surrounding neighborhoods.

To that end, the University will continue to encourage travel modes that improve environmental quality, pedestrian mobility and safety, reinforce the use of Chicago’s extensive transit network, and build upon our partnership with the Chicago Transit Authority. The University also continues to work in partnership with The University of Chicago Medical Center to provide improved transit routes and intermodal connections for faculty, staff, and students at both institutions. The programs listed below will help make your commute more convenient and environmentally beneficial:

• Free local transit (CTA routes 170, 171, and 172 free to UC & UCMC faculty, staff, and students)
• CTA Route 173 (Express PM service to Lakeview)
• CTA Route 174 (Express service to Garfield Green & Red L stations)
• CTA Route 192 (Express Bus to METRA’s Union and Ogilvie stations)
• Free local evening buses
• SafeRide (free late-night point-to-point service)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (free taxi or car rental in case of emergency)
• Occasional Parker (free parking at the Ellis Garage 24 times a year)
• Car Sharing (access to the I-Go or ZipCar programs)
• Carpool parking at reduced rates or free
• Qualified Transportation Program for purchasing transit fare media with pre-tax dollars through WageWorks

Starting July 1, 2008, monthly parking permits at Lexington will be $175.

Parking permit rates include the $35 City of Chicago tax and the $15 Cook County tax.