About Sustainable Transportation

Penn’s Sustainable Transportation Initiative was launched in 2010 in support of the University’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan's goal of lowering the University’s carbon footprint. The focus of the Initiative is developing and expanding sustainable commuting options. 

The University offers a wide array of sustainable commuter options.  They are designed to accommodate a variety of circumstances and include discounted, pre-tax purchases of passes that can be used for the robust network of transit systems serving Penn’s campus. Currently, up to $315 of monthly commuter fare costs may be paid for through pre-tax payroll deductions. 

Penn’s Occasional Parking Program - The Occasional Parking Program is for faculty and staff who commute to work by mass transit, but find that they need to park from time to time.  The program allows an individual to purchase up to 10 passes for Penn's Walnut 40 Garage at $6 per parking pass.  The passes may only be purchased once in a calendar year.  Payment must be made by payroll deduction using pre-tax benefit dollars.  Passes must be requested and paid for at the Penn Parking office located at 3401 Walnut St. Suite 447a.  For questions or concerns please contact the Penn Parking Office at parking@upenn.edu or 215-898-8667.  

Local and Regional Public Transit - Commuters can travel to and from campus by bus, trolley, subway, or rail via transit authorities such as SEPTA, PATCO, NJ Transit, DART, and Amtrak. Discounts of up to 10% are available along with options for monthly payroll deduction.

Health Equity Commuter Cards- Commuter Cards are accepted at transit agencies, fare vending machines, and designated transit retail centers selling transit passes, tickets, fare cards, and accept the VISA Card for payment. They can also be used in SEPTA commuter parking lots.  Payroll deductions are made with pre-tax dollars.  

Vanpools - Enterprise Rideshare, a national leader in vanpooling and sustainable transportation, offers vanpooling options that are available throughout the region, including New Jersey and Delaware.  Program participants benefit from reduced commuting costs. 

Carpools - Parking permit patrons can take advantage of parking discounts by teaming up with fellow Penn or UPHS employees to form a carpool. Discounts are based on the number of participants in the carpool.

Bike Commuter Expense Reimbursement Program – Offers reimbursement of bicycle commuting expenses to eligible faculty and staff for qualified out-of-pocket expenses up to $240 annually.