University of Iowa leaders today (Thursday, Jan. 9) announced improvements to patient and visitor parking, effective Monday, Jan. 13. The improvements include:

• Increasing the "first 15 minutes free" to "first 30 minutes free" for quick in/out visits, such as picking up a prescription
• Reducing the next 31-60 minutes of parking to 60 cents (down from 90 cents), with each hour after that $1.20
• Reducing the maximum daily parking ramp fee to $10 (from $18), with validation of clinic appointment or inpatient stay/visit
• Making parking at the Hawkeye Commuter Parking lot free for patients, their families, and visitors (with validation)
• Adding a three-day discounted ramp pass option, in addition to the already available seven-day discounted pass

UI Parking and Transportation will pay for the estimated $1.4 million program by deferring upgrades in the appearance of existing parking structures and increasing operational efficiencies.

These improvements reflect the strong spirit of collaboration between UI Parking and Transportation and UI Health Care and their shared commitment to ensure the best possible experience for patients, their families, and visitors.