Monash University students and staff members of the tertiary union have raised concerns about the increased cost of parking on campus, which the union calls “price gouging”.

Monash last month announced to staff and students increased prices for off-peak parking at the University's campuses: 

• $0.58 an hour for Blue permit, capped at $2.90 daily;
• $1.07 an hour for Red permit at Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula, capped at $5.35 per day;
• $1.41 an hour for Red permit at Parkville, capped at $7.05 per day.

Peak period prices have also increased — to match the cost of a Myki daily fare during peak periods, according to the University: 

• $1.06 an hour for Blue permit, capped at $5.30, which matches a daily concession fare;
• $2.12 an hour for Red permit, capped at $10.60, which matches a daily full fare.

Students have responded in anger on social media to the parking price rise — as well as the decision last year to reduce the frequency of the free shuttle bus between campuses. 

As Lauren Clarke wrote on Stalkerspace: “Monash once again wants us to consider alternative modes of transport but still only run the intercampus shuttles twice an hour for Clayton-Caulfield, and only once an hour for Clayton-Peninsula. But that couldn't be part of the reason for the increase in people driving to uni! No way! Hahaha, ha ha, ha.”

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) wrote an open letter to Vice-Chancellor Sharon Pickering, calling for the parking price rise to be reconsidered.

“We face a cost-of-living crisis. Many staff and students are struggling to make ends meet. This decision inflicts an undue financial burden upon students and staff,” the NTEU stated in the letter. 

The letter had more than 1000 signatures at the time of writing this story. 

In a letter to staff and students last year, the University justified the increase as a way to tackle increased demand for parking.

A spokesperson for Monash said in a statement to MOJO News: “Monash University will welcome a greater number of students and staff to campus in 2024. This increased travel demand is anticipated to put pressure on campus parking supply.”

Ben Eltham from the NTEU’s Monash University division referred to the decision as a “cynical parking price gouge” that was "implemented with no consultation".

"It hurts staff and students in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, especially low-income staff like professional staff and casual academics," Dr Eltham said.

"The impact is especially severe on working parents, who often don't have good public transport options.”

Monash has encouraged students and staff to "consider alternative transport options when travelling to Monash, particularly during peak periods”. 

The University pointed to its Myki Commuter Club, where passengers can get 10 per cent off an annual pass on public transport, as well as cycling or other active transport, using intercampus shuttle services and carpooling as transport alternatives.