Transportation Update
The following are San Diego State University parking and transportation updates, first shared with our campus community via email in April 2026. The following will be effective July 1, 2026.
- 24-Hour Parking Permits:
- 24-hour (overnight) student parking permits remain available for purchase by students residing in housing managed by SDSU's Office of Housing Administration (OHA). All 24-hour permits are valid in Parking Struture 3 and Parking Structure 4 and also in Parking Lots 17, 17A and 17B. There will continue to be a waitlist for those who reside outside of OHA-managed housing.
- Effective July 1, 2026, overnight student parking permits will no longer be valid in Parking Structure 7 and Parking Structure 12.
- For 24-hour parking permits in Parking Structure 7 and Parking Structure 12, students in their second year and beyond can apply online for a waiver. Transportation Services will review waivers based on the published criteria, and waiver application submissions are due by July 21, 2026.
- Parking Rate Adjustments:
- Daily-choice parking rates for Parking Structure 3, Parking Structure 4 and Parking Lot 15, as well as Parking Lots 17, 17A and 17B will be reduced to $4.25 per day when using the PayByPhone app (a 10.5% reduction in costs).
- 24-hour (overnight) permit rates will increase from $310 to $341 per semester (a 10% increase). Additional funds will help expand hours and locations for the Safe Ride program.
- Parking rates will increase by 6%, which equates to a $3/month increase, as an example, for those who pay via monthly payroll deduction. The parking rates will only increase for SDSU Management Personnel Plan employees, confidential and excluded staff, staff represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (Unit 1) and the State University Police Association (Unit 8), academic student employees represented by the United Auto Workers (Unit 11) and auxiliary employees.
- In accordance with collective bargaining agreements, there will be no increase at this time for faculty and staff represented by the Academic Professionals of California (Unit 4), the California Faculty Association (Unit 3), the California State University Employees Union (Units 2, 5, 7, and 9), and the Teamserts (Unit 6).
- This increase supports the rising maintenance and repair costs for campus parking facilities.
- Employees represented by collective bargaining units may receive parking rate notices through their union, if applicable.
- Transit Passes: SDSU offers discounted MTS transit passes for students and employees.
- Full-time, benefitted employees are eligible for a one-time, three-month trial transit pass. Pre-tax payroll-deducted transit passes are available for $39/month (a 45% discount).
- Students are eligible for subsidized monthly and semester passes. Learn more online.
- Vanpool: 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. A one-month free trial is available to all full time students, staff and faculty.
- Car Share: The Zipcar car share fleet has expanded to 23 vehicles, including two additional electric vehicles in the South Campus Plaza garage.
- P14 Temporary Summer Closure:
- Parking Structure 14 will be closed for maintenance and repairs during the summer of 2026, beginning after SDSU's May Commencement ceremonies and is expected to reopen before the start of the fall 2026 semester. All other SDSU parking structures will remain open during summer 2026.
More information for each of these items is included below:
Safe Ride Program
Based on student feedback, Safe Ride will pilot extended service hours through 3:30 a.m. beginning in fall 2026. Extended hours will be evaluated based on ridership and hours may be reduced if there aren't a sufficient number of students utilizing the program.
Transit Pass Programs
SDSU is well served by transit, including the Green Line trolley station and seven (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 Transportation Services. Students under the age of 19 are eligible for fare-free transit through the Youth Opportunity Pass program.
TS offers a 45% discount for employees and student monthly transit passes. Full-time, benefitted employees are eligible for a 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, fill out the Full-Time Employee MTS Transit Pass Request Form to get started, or email [email protected] with questions.
Commute Share: Vanpool
Did you know that the average car owner in California spends over $14,000 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. If you are interested in joining a commute-sharing vehicle, fill out the Commute Sharing (Vanpool) Interest Form. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Zipcar Car Sharing
There are 23 Zipcar car-sharing vehicles distributed on the San Diego campus, including five 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 on the Zipcar site for SDSU. Receive a complimentary Zipcar membership ($25 value) or a $25 driving credit while supplies last. Claim your credit or email Transportation Services at [email protected] with your RedID number and your selection of a complimentary Zipcar membership ($25 value) or a $25 driving credit.
Parking Rate Information
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 commter 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 reduce the "daily-choice" parking rate in Parking Structure 3, Parking Structure 4, Parking Lots 17, 17A and 17B, and also in Parking Lot 15. The daily rate for a 24-hour permit is reduced from $4.75/day to $4.25/day, 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.
| Permit Type | Current Non-CBA Rates* | Updated Non-CBA Rates* |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2026 |
| Daily - Affiliate | $7.87 | $8.34 |
| Daily - Non-Affiliate | $10.11 | $10.72 |
| Daily Mobile App Payment Rate (PayByPhone or other app) in P3,P4, P17, P15 | $4.75 | $4.25 |
| Weekly Day-Time Only | $17 | $18 |
| Weekly 24-Hour Permit | $26 | $27 |
| Monthly Day-Time Only | $45 | $48 |
| Monthly 24-Hour Permit | $67 | $71 |
| Semester Day-Time | $196 | $207 |
| Semester 24-hour | $310 | $341 |
| Summer Day-Time | $130 | $138 |
| Summer 24-hour | $203 | $216 |
| Semester Motorcycle | $42 | $44 |
| Summer Motorcycle | $29 | $31 |
| Monthly Payroll (MPP/UAW/Aux/Confidential) | $45 | $48 |
| SP Permits | $34 | $36 |
| Leasing Rate | $106 | $112 |
| South Campus Plaza Monthly Parking Rate | $125 | $150 |
*Non-daily rates (weekly, monthly, semester) are rounded to the nearest dollar. Increases are based on a 2 decimels from the prior year increase.
Other Changes:
- Bollard coordination, removal and replacement fee: $222 per request
- Shuttle fee for non-Safe Ride charter requests for events and other needs: $50 per hour per vehicle
- Admin fee for bulk MTS day-pass sales (e.g., field trips): $21 per request
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 enterprise, 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 42% 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 42% lower than our peer CSU institutions in Southern California (average of $294/semester compared to SDSU's $207/semester). Additionally, the semesterly parking rate is 63% 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 special traffic management with Caltrans and the City of San Diego. 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, 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.
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 Transportation Services ensures these parking structures can accommodate guest parking for special events. To ensure these accommodations are possible, SDSU 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 Parking Structure 3 and Parking Structure 4, as well as the Parking Lot 15 and Parking Lots 17/17A/17B. 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 Transportation Services website. To subscribe to email alerts in advance of closures, enter your name and email here.