If transit is not an option for you, there is another option that is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than driving alone: car pooling. Sharing rides not only saves on gas costs, but on parking cost as well. The University provides discounted and even free parking spaces for carpoolers. Two-person car pools save half the cost of a regular permit, while car pools with three or more people are eligible for free parking on campus. No more having to pay for lot parking or hunt for a space on the street. You can start your own car pool by registering with the Transportation & Parking Office. Carpoolers are also eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home, Car Sharing, and Occasional Parking programs.

Eligibility

To qualify for the special, university-sponsored carpool program you must have a minimum of two participants. All members must be full-time University faculty, staff, or students. All participants must live off campus.

To Register

All participants must complete the Carpool Application and submit it at the Parking Office. Each participant must also submit a letter from his or her department or student advisor verifying full-time status. All persons who will be driving in the car pool must submit a copy of their driver's license and vehicle registration. All of the above items need to be at the Parking Office before the approval process begins. It will take 10 business days for your application to be approved. Any persons in the approved car pool who currently has parking must surrender their current parking hangtags when the carpool hangtag is issued.

Please contact the Parking Office for any additional questions.

If you need help finding people with whom to share a ride, we recommend using the Pace RideShare regional ridematching service. Make sure that you specify “University of Chicago” as your employer.

Resources

Car Pool Application

Pace RideShare website

Pace RideShare brochure