It is now cheaper to park at the MUHC superhospital -- as long as you're paying for more than one visit at a time.

Many patients complained when the hospital opened that parking was too expensive. Now a new fee structure is in place, and it offers substantial discounts for people making return visits.

The maximum price per day is $30 for those who spent more than one hour in one of two express parking lots, near the Research Institute and the main entrance.

Those who park in the underground parking lot, near the spherical statue, can pay up to $25 for a 24-hour pass, which is also valid for those parking at other MUHC hospitals.

Patients undergoing any type of regular clinic treatments can now pay $70 for a four-week pass. It used to be $60, but it was only available to cancer and dialysis patients. The hospital says it's a small increase which will result in savings for more people.

"We really wanted to a simplify the opportunities that these passes render, but also wanted to make them user-friendly and helpful for the number of visits that our users make," said Imma Franco, the MUHC’s associate director for planning of programs and services.

The hospital has also introduced a $100 pass that allows seven visits in total.

Anyone can get long-term passes for slightly more money: $60 for one week or $85 for two weeks. Drivers will need to visit the parking office at the Children's or Royal Vic for the special passes.

By comparison, the Jewish General only charges $20 a day, and clinical passes are $60 a month.

Mario Di Carlo, co-chair of the hospital user's committee, said he believes the prices are too high.

"It's almost like an extra tax for patients, he said.

"It's not a cost for health itself, it's just to get to the health, to get to the health treatment and care."

Di Carlo also criticized the weekly and monthly passes, saying they don't help patients who need regular, but less frequent care.

"We find it's expensive for once or twice a year patients who don't need to come more frequently. It's still expensive."

The new rates came into effect on Thursday Dec. 10.