Question: What is the Special Parking MOU?

Answer: The City established the Joint Labor Management Committee on Commute Options and Parking (JLMC-COP) for the purpose of developing recommendations for the administration of the City’s employee transportation (parking and ridesharing) benefits. Transportation benefits are established within the City’s Special Memorandum of Understanding (Special Parking MOU), which sets forth the terms and conditions of the City’s employee transportation benefits. Per the Special Parking MOU, employees are only allowed one transportation or parking benefit at a time from the City.

Question: What are my options for commuting to work?

Answer: Options for commuting to work include:

• Driving your own vehicle

• Ridesharing (Vanpool, Carpool, Bus, Train or Rail) - up to $100 (temporary until December 2023) per month reimbursement

• Biking/Walking

Question: Why should I consider public transportation, ride-sharing, or other commuting alternatives versus driving to work alone?

Answer: Sharing commuting with others can lower your transportation costs, reduce stress, and contribute towards reduced traffic congestion and cleaner air.

Question: How can I learn more about public transportation options for coming to work?

Answer: There are a variety of resources available to you to learn about public transportation options. You may visit the Commute Options page for resources. LA Metro provides information for bus, train, and rail transportation within the greater Los Angeles area. The website also provides a “Trip Planner” tool providing detailed information regarding commute options between various location points.

Question: If driving alone is the best option for me, what parking benefits does the City offer?

Answer: Employee parking may be available at a number of City owned/leased lots at or near City work facilities. Employees pay for their parking, with the cost of permits varying by the type of permit and location of the parking facility. Parking permits are limited by the number of spaces available at a given location, and certain lots can have lengthy waiting lists. The Special Parking MOU sets priorities for issuing permits and the cost of permits. Please refer to the City Parking webpage for additional information.

Question: If I use public transportation but have a need to drive occasionally, can I get parking?

Answer: City employees who participate in ridesharing programs (Vanpool, Carpool, Transit Spending Account Program, Transit/Bike/Walk Subsidy programs) in the downtown area also have three days every month where they can drive their own vehicle and park in a City lot (Lot #7) without being charged a fee.

Question: Can I get my permit back if I try ridesharing but don’t like it?

Answer: As of March 2024, permit holders are now eligible to apply for the Transit Subsidy Reimbursement Program at the same time for any purchases made for the quarter. There is no need to return the permit to try ridesharing.

Question: If I lost or have had my permit stolen, how can I get a new permit or stop my deductions?

Answer: When a parking permit is lost or stolen, the permit holder must notify Commute Options immediately via email. Permits are City property and employees are responsible for the full cost of lost/stolen permits; costs vary by lot. Our office only accepts personal checks or money orders payable to the City of Los Angeles.