Frequently Asked Questions

• Why did the university close the garage?
• Is the campus safe?
• Will there be enough parking spaces?
• Is my current parking pass still valid?
• What if I don’t have a parking pass?
• Does this mean the garage will be closed permanently?
• Will the university sell discounted parking passes?
• Why must I pay to park if I’m not able to use the garage?
• This is a commuter university. Why is parking so difficult?

Why did the university close the garage?
The campus substructure serves as a foundation for five campus buildings and a 1,500-car garage. Several studies have shown that in its current state of repair, it is no longer a viable parking facility and would cost in excess of $150 million to rehabilitate. Campus officials decided it would be best for UMass Boston and its community to close the garage and explore new solutions.

Is the campus safe?
Yes. The university hired the engineering firm Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger to inspect and monitor the garage and substructure. The engineering consultants report that the facility is safe and structurally sound.

Will there be enough parking spaces?
The university will be rolling out a new plan to accommodate our parking needs. In the interim, there will be 1,300 available parking spots on campus and additional parking in satellite lots on Mt. Vernon Street (Mt. Vernon is located adjacent to the Harbor Point Apartments Complex). As in the past, during peak hours, parking lots may fill to capacity and you may be directed to satellite lots.

Is my current parking pass still valid?
Yes. All passes are still valid and accepted at all lots.

What if I don’t have a parking pass?
You can pay cash to park in our on-site or satellite lots. You will pay on entry or exit.

Does this mean the garage will be closed permanently?
Yes. The university will not use the original garage as a parking facility. This fall, the
university will begin a master planning effort that will help us determine what UMass Boston will look like in the future. A critical part of this plan will be to create a permanent solution to our parking and transportation needs that is both functional and fiscally responsible.

Will the university sell discounted parking passes?
Yes. If you purchase one of the semester, monthly, or multi-day passes, you will receive a discount from the daily rate.

Why must I pay to park if I’m not able to use the garage?
The parking fees support all of UMass Boston’s parking and transportation operations, which include our free shuttle buses and maintenance of current parking sites.

This is a commuter university. Why is parking so difficult?
We promise you that we will work diligently to address our parking needs, and we appreciate your patience through this process. As with any urban school, we must be creative in addressing our parking shortages and encourage people to take advantage of public transportation.