Daily Validation

The debit recharge program is an easier daily parking option for faculty and staff who do not have permit parking. The program allows you to load funds on your Wildcard and use your Wildcard to receive and pay the discounted parking rate. You simply tap your Wildcard to enter and exit the garage, and the cost of parking will be deducted from your Wildcard balance. There is no need to obtain a daily coupon from the Chicago Parking Office.

Parking Privileges

• Full-time faculty and staff must enroll in the debit recharge program to take advantage of the discounted parking rate.
• The discounted rate is honored at the Erie/Ontario Garage and Huron/Superior Garage.

Note: Participation in the debit recharge program does not guarantee a parking space.

Validation Rates

• Up to 12 hours of parking for $12.00 for salary tiers 1-4 and $15.00 for salary tiers 5-7.
• If parked for 12 hours or more, regular garage rates will apply.

Application Process for the Debit Recharge Program

Email your request for the debit recharge program to the Chicago Parking Office, chicagoparking@northwestern.edu. Include:

1. your name
2. a photo of the front and back of your valid Wildcard
3. vehicle make
4. a photo of your license plate

Steps for Using the Debit Recharge Program

How to Park and Exit Garages

Once you are registered in the program, parking is simple:

• When entering the garage, scan your Wildcard at the entrance gate reader. Do not pull a parking ticket, as that will interfere when exiting.
• Before exiting the garage, visit a garage pay station to load your account with funds to use for parking payment. You may add one day’s worth of funds, or any amount you would like. Only add funds you know you will use, because refunds for remaining balances cannot be issued. Find instructions for loading your account along with photos for each step.
• When exiting the garage, simply scan your Wildcard again at the exit gate. As long as you have sufficient funds loaded, the system will deduct the discounted parking rate from your account as you leave.

Note: Account balance information is displayed on the gate reader when entering or exiting the garage.

How to Load Your Account

To load your account with funds at the pay station:

1. Tap your Wildcard at any pay station labeled "Permit Parkers".
2. Account information and your balance amount will be displayed.
3. Optional: Press "Receipt" button on screen if a receipt is needed after transaction is complete.
4. To add funds, press the "Recharge" icon on the screen.
5. The Recharge Amount screen will be displayed. Enter the amount you wish to add to the account, using the onscreen number pad.
6. Click "OK" after desired amount is entered.
7. Note: The minimum amount that can be added to your account is $1.00.
8. Next, a payment option screen will be displayed indicating available payment options. Proceed with payment by cash or credit card.
9. After payment is complete, a receipt will be printed (if selected as noted above), and the transaction is complete.

Parking coupons for temporary, part-time, new and Evanston-based faculty and staff can be obtained in advance for free at the Chicago Parking Office to obtain a daily discounted parking rate in the Erie Ontario Garage. Up to two coupons can be obtained.

Restrictions

Having a coupon for the discounted parking rate does not guarantee a parking space.

Validation Rates

• Up to 12 hours of parking for $12.00 for salary tiers 1-4 and $15.00 for salary tiers 5-7.
• If parked for 12 hours or more, regular garage rates will apply.

How to Obtain a Coupon for the Discounted Parking Rate

For your convenience, obtain a coupon with a QR code in advance from the Chicago Parking Office by presenting your Wildcard as proof you are faculty or staff.

How to Use Your Coupon for the Discounted Parking Rate

1. Pull a parking ticket at the Erie/Ontario garage entrance and find a parking space.
2. When ready to leave, go to a garage pay station and insert your parking ticket.
3. Then scan the QR code on the coupon using the pay station’s scanner. The scanner will reduce the parking fee to the appropriate amount.
4. Pay the parking fee with a credit card or cash following instructions at the pay station.
5. Collect the paid parking ticket from the pay station.
6. Insert the paid parking ticket at the garage exit gate as you leave.

Parking Privileges

• Overnight parking is not allowed.
• This student discount rate can be used at the Erie/Ontario Garage and Huron/Superior Garage.

Student Discount Weekday Parking Rates

• 5 hours or less - $9.00
• 5 to 12 hours - $12.00

If you exit after 12 hours, you will be charged the full public rate for the entire time you were parked.

Student Discount Weekend Parking Rates

• Enter after 7 a.m. and exit by 7 p.m.: $9.00

If you enter before 7 a.m. or exit after 7 p.m., you will be charged the full public rate for the entire time you were parked.

Please contact your school for information regarding how to access the Erie/Ontario garage.

Parking Privileges

• Overnight parking is not allowed.
• These rates are for the Erie/Ontario Garage and Huron/Superior Garage.

Weekday Evening Parking Rates

• Enter after 4 p.m. and exit by 10:30 p.m.: $9.00

If you enter before 4 p.m. or exit after 10:30 p.m., you will be charged the full public rate for the entire time you were parked.

Weekend Parking Rates

• Enter after 7 a.m. and exit by 7 p.m.: $9.00

If you enter before 7 a.m. or exit after 7 p.m., you will be charged the full public rate for the entire time you were parked.

Please contact your school for information regarding how to access the Erie/Ontario or Huron/Superior garage.