Driving to USC’s campus? Parking will be more expensive, but it may also be easier
When student and faculty make their way back to the University of South Carolina in August, they can expect to pay more for on-campus parking.
USC’s Parking and Transportation Services department is raising prices for the first time in years.
Z-level permits will be $13.25 per month, a $1.25 increase. Seniority surface permits will be $25 per month, a $5 increase. Garage permits will be $73.33 per month, a $8.33 increase. The monthly rate for a reserved permit will be $118.33.
The university said fines have also “increased significantly” and there are more compliance staff to create a “fair and equitable system” for those who have purchased permits.
New prices, the first increase since 2016, aren’t the only change the university is implementing.
Instead of the rear window cling, permit holders will now be issued a tag to be displayed in the front windshield, either on the dashboard or hung from the rearview mirror.
Those needing handicap spaces on campus will need to register their state-issued ADA placard with parking services online or in person at 1501 Pendleton St., rather than using a unique USC decal.
ParkUSC, the university’s parking app available on Apple and Google Play, is expanding its coverage to all surface lots in the fall. It uses “crowdsourcing” to help campus community members to identify available parking spaces in campus lots, find their cars and navigate campus.
University spokesman Jeff Stensland said the extra revenue from parking will go towards funding the app, as well as other technology improvements, campus programs like extended night transit services and Uber discounts and maintenance to campus infrastructure.
In the last several years, USC has tried to increase parking availability for its growing student body. About 1,500 spaces were added last year, bringing the total to about 15,000 by fall 2023.
Permits went on sale July 1. Cars without a permit, or parked in the wrong zone, will be subject to a citation, the university said, encouraging properly displayed permits and parking in assigned areas.
The move follows a similar effort for a citywide price hike.
As soon as January 2025, Columbia residents and visitors will see more expensive parking, The State reported earlier this month. After rates were kept stagnant since 2006, a study has shown that Columbia’s parking prices are among the lowest in the state among cities of similar size. It is currently $0.75 for an hour of metered parking, $8 for a ticket and the maximum daily rate for public garages is $10.
City parking services is waiting on guidance from leadership to decide new cost, but it is coming.
