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Transportation Services

Transportation Services provides support for all campus transportation needs. Our transportation demand management (TDM) programs and policies are geared toward reducing single-occupancy vehicles traveling to and from campus.  A recent campus study found constructing and maintaining a new parking garage could cost over $38,000 per parking space.  We believe that investing in TDM programs will improve transportation efficiency for all Santa Clara University students, faculty, and staff.  We are constantly exploring new incentives and programs to help the University avoid additional costs while reducing our transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.  For more information about Santa Clara's sustainability programs, please visit the Center for Sustainability's website. 


 Looking to plan a trip? Try using 511 Bay Area to find transit options that best suit you with LIVE traffic updates!

SCU is very fortunate to be located directly across the street from the Santa Clara Caltrain/VTA transit stations. These provide excellent alternative modes of transportation opportunities for our campus community members to utilize. 
 
Alternative Transit Card

An alternative transit card is provided (once per month) for the following modes of transportation: carpooling, bicycling, or taking the train. Customers may receive a maximum of five daily parking permits, per month, for participating in one of these programs. One card issued per person.

Carpool Registration

Thank you for reducing your carbon footprint by carpooling to campus. One of our sustainability initiatives is to reduce single-occupancy vehicles traveling to and from campus

If you are interested in creating a carpool, please fill out the Carpool Registration Form. Each carpool member is required to fill out this form. Once completed, the carpool group will be asked to verify their carpool membership is up-to-date before the start of the academic year. 

Bicycling

The alternative transit card is also available to bike commuters. 

Train

Train commuters who purchase a monthly pass also qualify for the alternative transit card. Proof of purchase is required. 

Altamont Corridor Express Discount Program for SCU student and employees 
 
The ACE and SCU partnership offers a discount program of 50% off the retail value of  20-Ride tickets and monthly passes. The discounted tickets are only available at Parking & Transportation Services office which is located on the first floor of the Main Parking Structure (next to Campus Safety). 
 
20-Trip tickets are valid for any 20 one-way trips without an expiration date. 
Note: The 20-Ride tickets must be validated at the station Ticket Validator before boarding the train. 
 
Monthly passes are valid for unlimited trips in the calendar month. 
 
To learn more about our partnership with ACE, eligibility, prices, terms, and conditions, visit this page. 

Employee Benefits

Mass Transit Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

The Mass Transit FSA allows employees to set aside pretax dollars for the reimbursement of qualifying transportation expenses a customer incurs while commuting to and from work. The program is in alignment with and supports Santa Clara University’s commitment to sustainability. Employees may change their monthly contributions between the 1st-10th of each month. 

  • Maximum Monthly Election: $315

Please reach out to Human Resources for more information or questions.

 
Modes of public transportation that provide service to the campus include:

FSA - Commuter Spending Program

Benefits-eligible employees may enroll in a flexible spending account (FSA) within 30 days of your hire date or during annual enrollment. At that time, employees must establish an annual contribution amount within the maximum limit. Once enrolled, employees will have online access to view their FSA balance.

This program can be used to cover transit passes, payments for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle. 

Transit maximum contribution for 2018 is $260 per month. 

To enroll in this FSA, please visit HR's website to learn more. 

 

 

 Faculty, Staff, and Student Parking Incentives
 
SCU encourages carpooling by offering complimentary daily parking permits for carpoolers when vehicles arrive on campus with two or more persons. To participate in the Carpool Program you must:
  • To apply for the 2024-2025 program, please fill out the Carpool Program Form. Registrants must update any new members on an annual basis. There is currently no fee associated with the Carpool Program.
  • Upon arrival, the carpool participants must be verified by showing their alternative transit card. 
  • Once verified, the vehicle will be issued a complimentary daily parking permit.
  • Each carpooler will receive up to five complimentary daily parking permits (per month) for registrants to use when driving to campus individually. 

Alternative Transit Card
Bicyclists need to register their bike here to obtain an alternative transit card for the month. 
  • Registrants may receive up to five complimentary daily parking permits to use (per month) when commuting to campus via a single occupancy vehicle. 
  • There is no charge for registering for this program.

 

 

The Electric Shuttles (SCUttle) will provide a means of transportation to those needing assistance between parking locations and event venues.

If you are interested in renting a SCUttle for your event, please fill out our Event Planning Form and a member of our Parking & Transportation Services team will be in touch with you shortly. 

SCU provides public electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) across campus.
The stations were installed as part of a grant, and they fulfill a need on campus. 
 
Users registered with the ChargePoint Network can see available charging stations online. 
 
Please view additional information on EV charging stations on campus. 
Santa Clara has partnered with Zipcar to expand transportation opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members. After enrolling in the program on Zipcar's web site, participants have access to a variety of vehicles to reserve.  Most vehicles are available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Zipcars are available in the Cowell parking lot and the North Campus Garage. 

All programs are open for staff and faculty to take advantage of! If you have any questions please feel free to email, call, or stop by. 

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