Railroad Parking - FAQ


Q: Is there a waiting list for permit parking at the Westport Railroad Stations? 

A: Yes, the wait is just under 2 years.

Q: How do I apply for a Westport Railroad Parking Permit? 

A: Fill out the Railroad Parking Waiting List on-line application located here.  There is a one-time $35.00 fee.

Q: Can I check the status of where I am on the permit parking waitlist?

A: Yes, you can check your status here waitlist.

Q: I have a permit but bought a new vehicle. How do I transfer my permit?

A: Remove the permit from the windshield of your old vehicle and return it with a copy of your new vehicle registration. You will be charged $5.00 for a replacement permit for your new car.

Q: I have an emergency and I need to use a substitute vehicle, what do I do?

Permit holders that need to use a substitute vehicle for an emergency or car repair must place a handwritten note on the passenger side of the dashboard.  The note must include the date, your railroad parking permit number and a brief explanation.  If the use of the substitute vehicle will exceed five (5) days, a temporary parking permit must be obtained from the Railroad Parking Division, (203) 341-6052.  A temporary permit can be issued for up to 30 days for a fee of $5.00.  Any substitute vehicle exceeding five (5) days will be considered a non-permit vehicle if a temporary permit is not displayed.

Q: I'm a Westport resident. Why are out-of-town residents allowed to park at the Westport stations?

A: The parking lot at the Saugatuck and Greens Farms Railroad Stations are operated by the Town of Westport under a lease arrangement with the State of Connecticut. The primary mission of the facility is to provide parking for rail commuters. According to the provisions of the lease, no preference may be given to Westport residents to park in state-owned lots.

Q: Should I update my information with Railroad Parking? 

A: Yes! You are required to renew your waitlist application annually every April.  Failure to complete this annual renewal will result in the forfeiture of your application on the waitlist.  To renew your waitlist application click here buymypermit.

Q: What types of parking permits can be purchased? 

A: An annual parking permit for a single car is $325.  An annual permit that allows two cars to share a permit is $450.  The shared permit offers flexibility to customers with regards to the car they drive to the station.  There are restrictions for the two-car permit:

  • Both cars must be registered to the same family at the same address
  • The permit can only be used on one car at a time

Q: I have a valid permit. Am I guaranteed a parking space at the train station?

A: A parking permit is not a guarantee of a parking space. Permit spaces are first come, first served. In effect, permits allow parking at a discounted rate from daily fee parking.

Q: All the permit spaces are filled but the daily spaces are not. Does my permit allow me to park in a daily space?

A: If you park in a daily space you will still be charged the daily parking fee. These spaces are for transient and occasional users who do not hold a permit.

Q: Where can I park if I do not have a Railroad Parking Permit? 

Clearly marked designated spaces at both stations are available on a first come, first served basis for a $5 fee:

(Note: most parking lot spaces are filled by 7 a.m. However, there are several spaces that are marked with signs that allow parking only from 9:15 a.m. to 4 a.m. at the Saugatuck station. These spaces are reserved for people who take later trains and are located in the lot at the west end of Railroad Place adjacent to the platform. If you park in one of these spaces between 4 a.m. and 9:15 a.m, you will receive a $50 violation ticket.)

Q: How do I pay the daily parking fee? 

A: Utilize the MobileNOW! App or a parking fee ticket will be left on your car. You can mail in the ticket with your check, pay online, or drop it off at the Westport Police Department Lobby. Online payments may be made with credit, debit and checking accounts by clicking here. The standard convenience fee is waived for daily parking fees as long as you pay them on time! 

Q: What happens if I do not use the MobileNOW! App?

A: If you chose to not use the MobileNOW! App, a ticket will be left on your windshield for you to pay.

Q: What happens if I use the app and still get a ticket?

A:  If you receive a ticket on the same day you paid using your MobileNOW! wallet, please email westport@parkingmail.com.

Q: How do I pay my tickets at the police station after hours?

A: The Westport Police Department is open 24/7 all year. There is a drop box next to the Records window in the lobby that you can leave your payment in at any time.

Q: What if the office is closed when I drop my payment off, and the 14 days expires during that time? Do I get a late fee anyway?

A: You shouldn't. Payments left in the drop box during off hours should not get a late fee assessed if the 14th day falls within the period the office was closed. But, mistakes can happen so if you feel a late charge was incorrectly assessed; call us at (203) 341-6052.

Q: How can I get a copy of all my paid fees or tickets?

A: Call the Railroad Parking Division at (203) 341-6052. You will need the license plate of the car(s) and the date range you need. If you have a valid email address the listing can be emailed to you at no charge.

Q: Sometimes I see many empty parking spaces in the permit lots. Can I park in these spaces without a permit?

A: Not everyone who has a permit uses it every day. We recognize that and try our best to accommodate those commuters who are still waiting for a permit and need to park. Each day we try to determine what empty spaces we may have in Lot #4 and Lot #8, and whenever possible allow temporary daily parking in permit spaces. When this happens signs are posted stating so.

Q: Is there a fee charged for weekend parking? 

A: Currently, parking is free on weekends and National Holidays.  National Holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  Parking is also free Monday through Friday, 3 PM to 7 AM.

Q: Are there any other areas where I can park beside the Railroad Station Parking Lots? 

A: Yes, there is a Municipal Parking Lot off Imperial Avenue, adjacent to the Westport Woman's Club. There is no charge for parking in this parking lot; however, there is a fee for taking the Imperial Avenue Shuttle mini-bus to and from the Railroad Station. In addition, there are privately owned commercial lots near the Saugatuck train station.

Q: How do I compliment or complain about the service on Metro-North?

A: By email, phone or by stopping at the Customer Service Center on the Grand Concourse at Grand Central Station (opposite Window 27). By phone, call 877-690-5114.  The phone and window are staffed 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. You can email them through their online form located here.

Q: How do I make a complaint about the taxis at the train stations?

A: Taxi companies are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Complaints must be made in writing. There is a form available here that may be used to file official complaints about any taxi service that is servicing the train stations in Westport.

Q: How do I complain about Railroad Parking?

A: Well, we hope that doesn't happen, but if you have a specific complaint contact the Railroad Parking Division at 203-341-6052.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.
