At UC Riverside, parking and transportation operations are fully self-supporting auxiliary enterprises. This means they do not receive funding from tuition, student fees, or state allocations. Instead, all parking-related services and programs are funded through parking permit sales, daily parking fees, and citation revenue.
Like other University of California auxiliary services, UCR Transportation Services operates under the financial guidelines established in UC policy BFB-A-59: Costing and Working Capital for Auxiliary and Service Enterprises. This policy provides the framework for accountability, transparency, and long-term financial sustainability.
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A Self-Sustaining Program
- Under UC policy BFB-A-59, parking operations must recover the full cost of providing services through the revenue they generate.
- These costs include staffing and operational support, maintenance, utilities, administrative expenses, and long-term capital improvements.
- The policy also requires auxiliary enterprises to maintain financial reserves to support ongoing operations, future maintenance needs, and unexpected expenses.
- This ensures that UCR’s parking system remains financially stable without relying on general campus funds.
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The Cost of Parking Infrastructure
- Parking infrastructure represents a significant long-term investment for the university.
- A surface parking space typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000 to construct.
- A structed parking garage can cost between $25,000 and $30,000 per space.
- Parking fees help recover these costs over time while supporting the safe operation, maintenance, and modernization of parking facilities across campus.
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Supporting Sustainability and Managing Demand
- Parking pricing also plays an important role in transportation demand management and sustainability efforts.
- By establishing appropriate parking rates, UCR can encourage the use of transit, carpooling, biking, and walking.
- These efforts help reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support UCR’s sustainability goals.
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Fairness and Equity
- Charging for parking helps ensure that the costs of parking facilities are paid by those who choose to use them.
- This approach promotes fairness by preventing non-driving students, faculty, and staff from subsidizing parking costs through tuition or other campus fees.
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Low-Cost and No-Cost Parking Options
- Gold and Orange Parking Permits provide lower-cost access for cost-conscious commuters to designated surface lots around the campus perimeter. These lots are available at a lower cost than central campus options, offering affordable parking within walking distance from major destinations.
- Park & Ride Lots offer discounted parking opportunities for commuters who carpool or use public transportation for part of their commute.
- Carpool and Vanpool Permits provide reduced-rate permits for employees and students who share rides, lowering individual commuting costs while supporting UCR’s sustainability goals.
- The RTA UPASS Program offers free unlimited rides on Riverside Transit Agency buses for all UCR students, faculty, and staff.
- Bicycle and pedestrian resources, including bike racks and repair stations, support active transportation options across campus. Walking and biking not only save money but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable campus environment.
- These options make commuting more affordable and accessible for the campus community. They also support sustainability goals while providing flexibility for students, faculty, and staff.
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Reinvesting in Mobility and Campus Access
- Revenue generated through parking operations supports more than parking facilities alone.
- These funds help maintain and expand transportation programs including the RTA UPASS program, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, electric vehicle charging stations, and sustainability projects.
- These investments help create a transportation system that supports UC Riverside’s goals for accessibility, sustainability, and community well-being.