Commuter Subsidy Program

The University recognizes the rise of the cost of living in Austin and the surrounding areas and its impact on our employees. The University is committed to looking for ways to proactively address affordability challenges in our quest to be a top employer in higher education.

This program is centrally funded by the University.

Yes, staff who work for auxiliary units and staff members paid from grants are eligible if they meet the eligibility criteria. Research Fellows, including Postdoctoral Fellows, faculty, and student workers are not eligible.

Staff members working a minimum of 30 hours per week, making an annualized salary of $60,000 or less as of 9/3/2024, and who work on-site at least 3 days per week will receive a subsidy of $300.  Staff members working a minimum of 30 hours per week, making an annualized salary of $60,000-$80,000 as of 9/3/2024, and who work on-site at least 3 days per week will receive a subsidy of $200. Faculty, Academic Research positions, and student workers are not eligible.

University leadership reviewed ways to maximize available funds for employees this year. While the subsidy would cover the full cost of an A Lot parking permit and up to 50 % of a garage permit, we recognize that staff members have differing needs and challenges when it comes to commuting to work. Therefore, eligible staff members may use the subsidy to defray any costs associated with their commute. Eligibility criteria may change year over year and the program is subject to budget considerations.

Eligible staff members will be notified via email prior to when Commuter Subsidies will be distributed.

Commuter subsidies for 2024 will be distributed via a one-time payment via payroll between Oct. 7 and Oct. 10, 2024.

Yes, payments are subject to applicable payroll taxes and deductions.

Eligible staff members may use their Commuter Subsidy to defray any costs associated with commuting to and from in-person work locations. Eligible staff members will determine how best to use their Commuter Subsidy.

The University strongly supports efforts to reduce congestion and curb vehicle pollution in the Austin area. The University has established several sustainable transportation options that seek to reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles: buses, carpooling, carsharing, bicycling, and flexible parking. UT faculty, staff, and students get fare-free access to all CapMetro’s 70+ routes throughout the city including the UT shuttles with their UT ID cards. At UT, it only takes two to join a carpool, and those that register their carpool get an array of benefits: reserved parking spaces, reduced permit fees, free garage parking, and enrollment in the Guaranteed Ride Home program, providing Lyft ride homes in the event of an emergency. Teaming up with Zipcar, UT has placed a variety of cars throughout campus that members can rent by the hour or by the day. Gas, insurance, and maintenance are included. For those that bike to campus, UT provides free registration to increase the chance of bike recovery if stolen or impounded. Two MetroBike stations and five free bike Fixit Stations are available throughout campus for bike rentals and repairs. UT also supports those on a hybrid schedule who only come to campus occasionally by offering discounted garage parking through the Occasional Parking program.

Questions about individual eligibility should be directed to college, school, or unit Human Resources professionals.

The program is expected to continue annually. Eligibility criteria may change year over year and the program is subject to budget considerations.