Operational Updates: Rate Changes, Electric Vehicle Charging Moves to Pay-by-Use

UC Davis Transportation Services continues to invest in the systems, infrastructure and programs that support how our campus commuters move each day.

As the campus grows and travel patterns evolve, we are implementing updates and improvements to maintain safe, reliable and accessible transportation options for the community.

Parking Rate Adjustments

Parking rates on the Davis campus will increase on July 1, 2026 to support ongoing maintenance, operations and mobility programs.

 

Why Rates are Increasing

Transportation Services is funded almost entirely through parking revenue and continues to face rising personnel, maintenance and operating costs. 

These rate increases help maintain parking facilities, roadways, paths, parking structures and transportation programs across campus, including the UC Davis Bicycle Program, Mobility Assistance Shuttle, Safety Corridors, Causeway Connection and Traffic Ambassador Program.

Looking ahead, modest annual rate adjustments (+$0.50 per day or +$5.00 per month) each July 1 need to be expected. With the campus growing and travel patterns continuing to evolve, continued investments are needed to improve safety and the overall transportation experience. For represented employees, annual adjustments are outlined in labor agreements.

Transportation Services remains focused on minimizing rate adjustments by improving operational efficiency and managing costs wherever possible.

Reduce Cost of Parking: Employees should consider paying for eligible commute costs with pre-tax dollars through UC Davis’ Commuter Card Program.

  • Already enrolled?
    Now is a good time to review your current monthly contribution.
  • Given the upcoming rate increases, Commuter Card holders should consider whether they need to increase their pre-tax contributions to cover parking costs. 

    Important: The deadline to request a new card or make changes to an existing card is the 10th of the month to access those funds in the following “benefit” month (e.g., increase contributions between June 1–10 to use those funds July 1).

Transportation Services Almost Entirely Self-supporting

We must generate parking revenue to:

  • Maintain parking areas and campus roadways
  • Improve pedestrian and bicycle pathways
  • Support programs like the UC Davis Bicycle Program, Mobility Assistance Shuttle, Causeway Connection and Traffic Ambassador Program.
  • Cover the annual debt on campus parking structures

  • Manage the SPIN shared bike and scooter program on campus

Electric Vehicle Charging 

Shifting from flat-rate daily or monthly add-ons to pay-by-use model at a rate of $0.42 per kilowatt hour.

Transportation Services is upgrading campus EV charging infrastructure beginning in June by deploying new PowerFlex devices at existing charger locations. Installation will occur in phases, starting with larger charging areas. 

As chargers are replaced, flat-rate daily and monthly EV charging add-ons will be discontinued and replaced with a pay-by-use model. 

What to expect:

  • Pricing based on actual costs: Charging will be more expensive than the current flat-rate model and reflect the university’s true cost of electricity. The university has been subsidizing electricity for EV drivers, and this is unsustainable given the popularity of EV vehicles.  Transportation Services will use the $0.42 per kilowatt hour rate to support charger maintenance and future expansion.
  • More access to charging spaces: Spaces are for active charging only and may be used for up to four hours. Once a vehicle is fully charged, it should be moved so other vehicles can use the charging space.
  • More reliable charging experience: A networked system provides real-time monitoring and alerts, allowing for faster maintenance and fewer outages. Users can also locate open chargers in real time.

Learn more on the Electric Vehicle Charging webpage 

Safety Enhancements and Education

  • Safety Corridors – Every Thursday
    Safety Corridors will return for the Fall quarter and continue to promote safe travel behaviors through increased visibility, education and outreach in high-traffic areas. 

  • Lot 25 Redesign
    This summer, Lot 25 (the ARC parking lot) will be redesigned to improve the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

  • Moving Forward Together: Supported Campus Planning’s effort to assess transportation safety and develop a draft plan with proposed infrastructure and program improvements. Feedback was accepted through May 4, with a final plan expected this spring.

  • Bicycle Programs

    • Cleared over 1,600 abandoned bicycles from campus racks, with more than 1,300 sold back to the community through public online auction.

    • Free Bike Index Registration: Encouraging all cyclists to register their transportation devices, including bikes, scooters and skateboards, to aid in recovery if lost or stolen.

    • Helmet Hair, Don't Care: Providing free helmets to students and employees to promote safe riding practices.

Community Engagement and Services

  • Parking Apps and Technology
    Transportation Services launched the HONK parking app last September, providing an additional way to pay for daily parking with features requested by campus users, including Apple Pay compatibility.

  • Donations for Citations (2025): In its second year, this program collected more than 2,000 pounds of food donations for The Pantry by allowing individuals to donate non-perishable items in lieu of paying certain parking citations.

  • Mobility Assistance Shuttle Upgrades: Enhanced services for students and employees with documented disabilities, providing reliable on-campus transportation.

  • Parking Invoice Program: Offers flexibility for those who forgot to pay for parking or were unaware of permit requirements, allowing eligible individuals to pay the non-affiliate daily rate instead of a full citation.

  • Causeway Connection: Subsidized almost 80,000 rides between the Davis and Sacramento campuses, supporting sustainable and accessible intercampus commuting.

Support for Campus Events

Transportation Services is an important partner in major campus events, managing parking and transportation logistics for:

  • Moove-In and Moove-Out

  • Picnic Day

  • Whole Earth Festival

  • Commencements

  • Thank Goodness for Staff

  • Lawntopia

Sign Up for Transportation Impact Updates: Regular communications regarding parking and traffic impacts are available. Sign up to stay informed about campus transportation developments.

Bicycle Friendly

UC Davis was recognized nationally as a bicycle-friendly place to work and learn.