Volume 59 |
Issue 1: August 28, 2026

No major parking changes this fall, but Pitt permit rates are going up

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

By SUSAN JONES

This fall brings a few changes to parking in Oakland, both on and off of campus, but nothing too dramatic.

RA Lot: This lot next to the Music Building of Fifth and Ruskin avenues is now closed for construction on the new residence hall to begin. Permit holders have been relocated throughout campus and the by-the-day spots on Pitt Park have been eliminated. In total, the lot had 64 spots.

Hampton lot: The University also vacated the parking area that was located at the Hampton Inn on Hamlet Street as of Aug. 10,  as the hotel is no longer being utilized for student housing.    

Posvar Hall garage: While work is ongoing on the garage, most spots are available again until major construction resumes next summer. Approximately 55 spaces remain unavailable. 

New spaces: A portion of the old Quality Inn/Panera site on the Boulevard of the Allies will be available for day-of-purchase spots through ParkMobile. 

Parking permits: Beginning Sept. 1, parking permit rates in Pitt garages and surface lots will increase for permit holders who are not part of a union bargaining unit. Those in the bargaining units are subject to status quo, which means the administration is not allowed to unilaterally make changes to employees’ conditions of employment without getting consent from the union.

This is the first increase since 2020. Pitt Mobility said in a statement that went out to permit holders that “this decision was made after careful consideration that balances rising facility costs with the needs of our campus community. Even with this adjustment, Pitt’s rates remain competitive with comparable institutions and the broader Pittsburgh market.”

The new monthly rates:

  • General staff/faculty permit: $115 (from $98/ $106) 

  • ZZ permit (multiple approved locations): $125 (from $109) 

  • EV permit (dedicated parking/charging spaces): $135 (from $115) 

  • Evening permits: $65 to $85 (up from $60 to $78)

Metered spaces: With work progressing on the bus lanes on Fifth Avenue, some of the metered spaces that were off limits last school year are now accessible — but you’ll have to cross over the red bus lane to get to them.

Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.

 

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