McMaster University has a well established carpool parking program where two or more individuals can register for a carpool permit from Parking & Transit Services. Carpooling is available at Main Campus, the Downtown Centre and the Ron Joyce Centre.

Registered carpools at McMaster are eligible for a designated parking space and a limited number of reduced-rate parking vouchers to be used on days when one member needs to take their own vehicle to campus.

Sign-up with SmartCommute to find a carpool partner at McMaster, gain access to free resources such as the Emergency Ride Home Program, and chances to win great prizes!

To register for a McMaster Carpool Permit:

• First, ensure that you and your carpool partner(s) satisfy the following criteria:
  • 2.01 Parking Services defines a carpool as a group of two or more people:
    • who travel together a minimum of three times a week
    • who have made a commitment to carpool for a minimum of three months
    • who live beyond a 1.5 km radius of McMaster’s Main Campus
    • who meet along a common route
    • who do not take a break from carpooling any longer than four consecutive weeks
    • who have registered with Parking Services
    • whose members do not possess any other McMaster parking permit

  If you have any questions about carpooling at McMaster please contact the Office of Sustainability prior to visiting Parking Services to purchase your permit.

• If you and your carpool partner(s) satisfy the above conditions, please see Parking Services FAQs for information on how to apply.
• Once all members of the carpool have filled out and signed each of the two forms, please send them to the Parking Office located in E.T. Clarke Centre, room 102.
• One member of the carpool must go to the E.T. Clarke Centre to pick up their transponder, or hang tag for RJC.
  • A non-refundable $40.00 fee is required to acquire a transponder,, which the members of the carpool have to collectively pay or pay individually if each member requires a separate transponder.

Want to refund a parking permit to become a carpooler? You can either visit the Parking Office located at the E.T. Clarke Centre, room 201 or write and fax letter stating that you would like a refund. Please state which method you would like your refund, for example, a credit card and the card number that you would like the refund made to. Please note that you must request your refund within the first two business days of the month for the refund to be eligible starting that current month.