By Will Ferguson, WSU News
Washington State University Transportation Services and the University Parking and Transportation Task Force are recommending parking rate increases beginning July 1, 2019, on annual and daily parking permits.
The new rates, which would affect the Pullman campus only, are equivalent to cost of living increases in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 Western Urban Consumer Price Index and are within the allowable limits set forth by the Board of Regents. The proposed increase in permit rates would be the first in four years, if approved by WSU president Kirk Schulz.
The tables below show the details of the recommended permit rates.
Proposed 2019 Annual Parking Permit Increases
| Permit Type | Current Annual | FY20 Annual | Annual Variance | Monthly Variance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | $125.64 | $129.53 | $3.89 | $0.32 |
| Red | $231.48 | $238.66 | $7.18 | $0.60 |
| Gray | $231.48 | $238.66 | $7.18 | $0.60 |
| Yellow | $298.61 | $307.87 | $9.26 | $0.77 |
| Crimson | $331.86 | $342.15 | $10.29 | $0.86 |
| Green | $486.61 | $501.69 | $15.08 | $1.26 |
| Orange | $656.07 | $676.41 | $20.34 | $1.69 |
| Commercial | $963.00 | $992.85 | $29.85 | $2.49 |
| Moped | $76.73 | $79.11 | $2.38 | $0.20 |
| Motorcycle | $76.73 | $79.11 | $2.38 | $0.20 |
Proposed 2019 Daily Parking Permit Increases
| Permit Type | Current Daily | FY20 Daily | Daily Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | $1.31 | $1.35 | $0.04 |
| Red | $1.99 | $2.05 | $0.06 |
| Gray | $5.61 | $5.78 | $0.17 |
| Yellow | $3.63 | $3.74 | $0.11 |
| Crimson | $6.94 | $7.16 | $0.22 |
| Green | $6.94 | $7.16 | $0.22 |
| Orange | $10.25 | $10.57 | $0.32 |
| Commercial | $13.88 | $14.31 | $0.43 |
| Moped | $0.97 | $1.00 | $0.03 |
| Motorcycle | $0.97 | $1.00 | $0.03 |
WSU Transportation Services is fully self‑supported and does not receive federal, state, grant or tuition funding. Revenue from parking fees and fines directly support capital projects and maintenance and operations of the WSU parking system.
“Revenue from this proposed parking rate increase will enable us to make sure our facilities remain in a good and safe state of repair, which is critical to serving the needs of our growing campus community,” said John Shaheen, director of WSU Transportation Services.
The recommended rate increase is needed to support the maintenance, repairs and replacement of existing parking facilities, such as structural and elevator repairs to four parking garages and asphalt repaving and patching at a cost of $2.6 million over the next five years.
Additionally, another $1.2 million in renovation is planned over the next five years for equipment replacement to improve garage access, parking vending machines and alternative transportation improvements, such as repairs to shared bike and pedestrian pathways.
Current permit holders who wish to explore other commute alternatives are encouraged to take advantage of Transportation Service’s Coug Commute Advisor program. The program offers customized commute plans for students, faculty, and staff. Alternative commute options include bus service, vanpools, carpools, biking, walking, or a combination of alternatives. Contact Transportation Services for more information.
The 15‑member University Parking and Transportation Task Force was established to provide WSU Pullman with a global campus perspective and broad representation on parking and transportation issues. The task force members meet monthly and represent various university groups, including the Associated Students of Washington State University, the Residence Hall Association, the Graduate and Professional Student Association, WSU faculty and others.
Additional financial information regarding Transportation Services can be found on the Transportation Services website.
Media Contact:
- John Shaheen, Transportation Services, 509‑335‑7275, transportation@wsu.edu
