Why are college parking passes so pricey?

So I've been looking into different colleges, and I've noticed that some college parking passes are surprisingly expensive. Does anyone know why this is? I mean, isn't it important for students to have access to parking? Are there specific schools known for having the most expensive passes?

Parking pass prices can vary quite a bit from one university to another, and there are quite a few factors that go into pricing. Here are a few common reasons:

1. Maintenance and Security: One primary reason for high parking fees is the cost of maintaining the parking facilities. This includes general upkeep, lighting, regular resurfacing or painting, and security measures, such as cameras or security guards.

2. Limited Spaces: On many campuses, especially urban ones, space is at a premium. Not every student can have a car because there simply isn't enough room. High prices can naturally limit the number of students who choose to bring a car, making management of the space much easier.

3. Subsidizing Other Transportation: Some colleges use money from parking permits to subsidize other modes of transportation, like campus shuttles, bike programs, or public transit passes.

4. Environmental Concerns: High parking pass prices are also a way of discouraging excessive car use and promoting more sustainable commuting options like biking, walking, or carpooling.

As for schools with the most expensive passes, I'm not sure, as it varies widely from school to school. Generally, urban schools have pricier parking permits due to the high cost of real estate in cities. Anecdotally, large public schools also tend to have quite high prices since demand is high and parking space is limited. However, I can't point to specific institutions known for having the most expensive parking passes. I'd recommend looking up parking information on the websites of the schools you're interested in. You can usually find detailed information about parking permit costs, types of permits available, and how to apply.