Members of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) community will see an increase in monthly fees for on-campus parking, effective Sept. 1.
Upcoming changes to the fee structure for permits will impact both reserved and non-reserved parking spaces across the Medical Center campus.
“We are continually looking for ways to control expenses associated with employee parking. After carefully evaluating the financial impact of operating and maintaining our parking facilities and shuttle fleet for the past year, and looking at projected costs going forward, we find it will be necessary to increase fees to help offset the impact of rising costs,” said Gary Streaty, Vice President for Facilities Management.
The Medical Center’s annual cost to maintain parking facilities and provide shuttle service totals approximately $11 million.
Fees from parking permits support approximately half of the cost while the Medical Center funds the remaining balance. Capital costs, such as the cost for building garages, are covered by the Medical Center, and are not passed on to faculty and staff.
“We understand that rate increases are never popular,” Streaty said. “To help hold down fees we are continually evaluating shuttle routes and other services for ways to save.”
As a reminder, Lot 127 continues to be a cost-effective option to on-campus parking. Lot 127 is located 10 minutes from campus on Chestnut Street across from the old Greer Stadium. There are approximately 140 spaces currently available. Parking in Lot 127 is free, and is serviced by shuttles traveling to the main campus and One Hundred Oaks. Service is provided until 9 p.m. each evening.
“Many people, including those using mass transit, prefer the Chestnut Street lot because parking there is free and does not require a permit,” said Streaty.
Medical Center Parking and Transportation Services continues to offer lower-cost, alternative transportation options, which include: the MTA Ride-to-Work Program, discounted tickets for the RTA Express buses and Music City Star, plus vanpool and carpool-matching options.
Parking services for patients and their family members are not being altered.
For more information go to www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/parking.