Carpooling at the University

Carpool Parking Policy 

1. Purpose 

The Harvard University Carpool Program supports the University's transportation demand management and sustainability objectives by encouraging employees to share rides to and from campus. Eligible participants may receive discounted parking permits in accordance with this policy. 

2. Scope and Eligibility 

This policy applies to Harvard University employees and eligible contractors seeking participation in the Carpool Program for parking on the Cambridge and Allston campuses. 

To qualify for participation, all members of a carpool must: 

• Be full-time benefits-eligible Harvard University employees; or 
• Be contractors covered by the University Wage and Benefit Parity Policy; and 
• Work on the Cambridge or Allston campuses. 

Students and affiliates are not eligible to participate in the Carpool Program. 

Questions regarding carpooling to the Longwood Medical Area should be directed to HMS Commuter Services. 

3. Policy Statement 

Approved carpools are eligible for discounted annual parking permits. Participation in the Carpool Program is contingent upon compliance with all University parking regulations and the requirements established in this policy. 

The Campus Service Center reserves the right to approve, deny, modify, suspend, or revoke participation in the Carpool Program in accordance with this policy. 

4. Carpool Requirements 

4.1 A carpool must consist of two or more eligible participants. 

4.2 Participants must commute together to and from work at least four (4) days per week, Monday through Friday. 

4.3 All members of the carpool must travel together for the majority of the commute. 

4.5 Eligibility determinations shall be made by the Campus Service Center and may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

5. Permit Administration and Fees 

5.1 Approved two-person carpools shall receive a fifty percent (50%) discount on the annual parking permit rate. 

5.2 Approved carpools consisting of three or more participants shall receive a seventy-five percent (75%) discount on the annual parking permit rate. 

5.3 All participants shall share permit costs equally through payroll deduction unless otherwise authorized by Parking Services. 

5.4 Contractor permit payment arrangements shall be governed by the contractor's employer. 

5.5 Carpool payroll deductions shall begin within two (2) to eight (8) weeks following enrollment, depending upon the applicable payroll cycle. 

6. Changes in Carpool Status 

6.1 Participants must immediately notify the Campus Service Center of any change affecting carpool eligibility, including: 

• Withdrawal of a participant; 
• Separation from employment; 
• Leave of absence; 
• Changes to residential address that results in a violation of section 4.3 

6.2 Changes to contact information or registered vehicles must be made by the user in vPermit. 

6.3 If a participant leaves a carpool, the remaining participant(s) shall have sixty (60) calendar days to recruit a replacement member. 

6.4 If a replacement member is not identified within sixty (60) calendar days, the standard prorated annual parking rate shall be applied for the remainder of the permit year. 

6.5 If a carpool is dissolved, Parking Services may assign a different parking location to any remaining permit holder. 

7. Temporary One-Day Permit Privileges 

7.1 Eligible carpool participants may obtain temporary one-day permits through HOPPS for occasional individual use. 

7.2 Carpools with only one registered vehicle are not eligible for temporary permits. 

7.3 Temporary permit allotments are as follows: 

• Two-person carpools with two or more registered vehicles: four (4) permits per month. 
• Carpools of three or more participants with three or more registered vehicles: eight (8) permits per month. 

7.4 Temporary permits are non-transferable and may be used only in the lot associated with the assigned carpool permit. 

8. Compliance and Enforcement 

8.1 University parking regulations remain in effect at all times, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

8.2 Vehicles parked on University property must be registered in vPermit. 

8.3 Parking Services may conduct audits of the Carpool Program to verify compliance. 

8.4 Misrepresentation, falsification of information, permit alteration, misuse of temporary permits, failure to report status changes, or other violations of this policy may result in: 

• Revocation of carpool status; 
• Suspension or revocation of parking privileges; 
• Fines, citations, towing, and back charges; and/or 
• Referral to Human Resources or the applicable Contract Manager. 

9. Authority and Reservation of Rights 

Parking permits are valid from July 1 through June 30 unless otherwise specified. 

Parking Services reserves the right to modify parking assignments, relocate permit holders, suspend parking privileges, revise program requirements, or issue prorated refunds in accordance with University policy. 

All University parking regulations and permit conditions remain applicable to participants in the Carpool Program.