Commuter Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current parking rates for Bothell Campus?

When can I buy parking permits?

  • Quarterly-
    • ​Students, Staff/Faculty – Approximately two weeks before the beginning of each next quarter
  • Annual – 
    • ​Students – Approximately two weeks prior to Autumn Quarter
    • Staff/faculty – Approximately two weeks prior to July 1st

Where can I buy parking permits?

  • Parking permits can be purchased online at the T2Flex website. In order to log in, you must have a current UW NET ID. If you do not have a UW NET ID, you must first create one on the Cascadia website. It will take 48 hours for the ID to set up. 
  • The NuPark website accepts Visa and Master cards for payment. You may also purchase a virtual permit with cash or check at the Cashier’s Office in Husky Hall.

What are the fines for parking citations? Where can fines be paid?

  • Fines for parking citations vary depending on the type of citation issued. View the Pay/Appeal Info and Procedures page for information about various fines. Currently, all payments can be made through the Bothell Campus Parking Portal. All fines incurred prior to June 1st, 2019 must be paid with Coast Professional Inc. (CPI) 888.815.2843.

Who is determining the parking rates and transportation practices for Bothell Campus, including making any changes to those practices?

  • All rates and major changes to the operations of the Commuter Services department are discussed by the Commuter Services Advisory Committee (CSAC). Recommendations are sent out for deliberation and must be approved by the UW Board of Regents and Cascadia College Board of Trustees. For more information on the committee, please visit the CSAC Recommendations webpage.

Why do I need to pay for parking on the Bothell Campus?

  • Parking and transportation systems in all State of Washington public colleges and universities are mandated to be financially self-sustaining. All operations, maintenance, and capital improvements are to be paid for by the respective Commuter Services departments. This means all safety improvements and all other aspects of maintaining parking space on campus, must be paid for by the Commuter Services department and not by State of Washington funds.

The parking rates have been increased; what is it going towards?

  • Rate increases are approved by the Commuter Services Advisory Committee only when absolutely necessary in order to operate the Commuter Services department, pay for transportation infrastructure, and transportation programs. The most recent increase in permit prices also helps to subsidize the cost of a U-PASS for campus community members who rely on transit in order to get to campus. Without the increase in rates, we would not be able to offer the U-PASS for reasonable rates.  

Is there a grace period at the beginning of each quarter?

  • ​​​​There is no grace period.  Purchasing parking permits is now more accessible and easier to obtain. Before the academic quarter begins, it is the responsibility of campus members to purchase permits online.  Payment for parking is required and enforced 24/7 on campus. 

Who do I contact if I have questions with my U-Car rental?

  • You may contact UW Fleet Services via email fsrent@uw.edu or phone 206.221.3594. Commuter Services does not manage U-Car rentals but is happy to assist with general questions.

U-PASS FAQs

Q: What is the Universal U-PASS?
 A: The Universal U-PASS is a program that allows most enrolled UWB students to use their Husky Card to access regional transit services. All three UW campuses have a Universal U-PASS program. This program is designed to increase transit ridership and reduce single occupancy of vehicle (SOV) trips throughout the region.

Q: Is the fee mandatory?
 A: Yes, all students who pay the Services & Activities Fee (SAF) are required to pay the $45/quarter U-PASS fee for each quarter they are registered for class.

Q: When does the Universal U-PASS program start?
A: Autumn Quarter 2025.

Q: What transit agencies and services does the Universal U-PASS cover?
 A: The U-PASS covers unlimited rides on King County Metro Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit and Sound Transit, which includes regional buses, Link light rail and Sounder trains. (Link light rail provides direct service between Sea-Tac Airport and the UW station.) It also covers King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry.

Q: How do I use my U-PASS?
 A: Tap your Husky Card on an ORCA card reader found at bus entrances or at Link, Sounder, or Swift stations. At RapidRide stations, you can tap on the ORCA reader at the station or on the bus as you enter. Wait for the green light to indicate your card was accepted.

Q: When can I begin using my Universal U-PASS?
 A: Your U-PASS will be ready for use within 12 to 24 hours after you purchase it or a week before the quarter starts. Students should refer to the academic calendar for specific dates.

Q: What are the conditions of use?
 A: Your U-PASS is for your personal transportation only and is non-transferable. You may not give or sell your Husky Card or U-PASS to any other person. Misuse of the U-PASS is subject to sanctions and may result in confiscation by the University or the transit agencies.

Q: How often can I use my U-PASS?
 A: The U-PASS is good for unlimited rides on King County Metro Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit and Sound Transit, which includes regional buses, Link light rail and Sounder trains. (Link light rail provides direct service between Sea-Tac Airport and the UW station.) It also covers King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry.

Q: Can I opt out of the U-PASS?
 A: No, students are unable to opt out of the U-PASS. The fee is mandatory for all students who pay the Student Activity Fee (SAF), ensuring that everyone has access to regional transit services throughout their enrollment.

Q: Can a graduate student or non-matriculated student get a U-PASS?
 A: Graduate students and non-matriculated students who do not have the U-PASS fee included in their tuition can purchase a temporary U-PASS card for $127, valid for 3 calendar months.

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?
 A: For immediate questions regarding the U-PASS, email Commuter Services at uwbpark@uw.edu.

Q: What is the Universal U-PASS funding model?
 A: The funding model involves a mandatory fee for students who pay the Student Activity Fee (SAF), which covers the cost of the U-PASS.

Q: Who is eligible for the Universal U-PASS?
 A: Most enrolled UWB students who pay the Services & Activities Fee (SAF) are eligible for the Universal U-PASS.

Q: How does the U-PASS benefit me if I drive to campus?
 A: The U-PASS offers an opportunity to reduce transportation costs, increase mobility options, avoid traffic congestion, and save on parking, gas, and upkeep. It can be a less costly alternative to using Uber.

Q: Can I lend my U-PASS to a friend?
 A: No, the U-PASS is non-transferable and must be used only by the person to whom it is issued.

Q:  What are the valid dates between quarters?

A: The Universal U-PASS activates eight days before the academic quarter begins for students who are registered on time. Faculty and staff receive activation within 12 to 24 hours of receiving their Husky Card. Temporary U-PASS cards are valid for a fixed three-month period, with set dates that do not follow the academic calendar and cannot be changed. Activation is automatic and no manual setup is required.

Q: Why is the U-Pass mandatory for eligible students?

A: The U-PASS is a discounted regional transit program and is financially possible only when participation numbers are significant. Students voted to support the mandatory fee in the ASUWB referendum.