Transportation on campus thus far has caused problems for commuters and does not look to lighten anytime soon. With Commuter East and West parking already full and campus construction causing headaches for commuters, this year is slated to be a hectic one.
In an attempt to alleviate some traffic, another bus has been added to The Loop route, and the Night Route is still in effect. For those students who use the bus routes, expect to wait about 10 minutes.
Construction shows no signs of slowing down as a 1,250 space parking garage (for a bit of perspective, the large northwest parking lot located adjacent to Griffis Hall is 874 spaces) will be going up behind the post office.
“Plans are eventually to close George Perry Road to traffic all the way to Barr,” said Parking Services director Mike Harris.
Harris said there are ways to navigate around campus easier.
“After three in the afternoon, any commuter decal can park in any commuter parking zone on campus,” he said.
But students should not always expect to find parking a space in their decals’ zone. Some zones, according to Harris, are over sold by 50 percent.
He also said he suggests trying to arrive at campus a little earlier on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as those are the busiest days for commuters.
Most of the university’s transportation policies remain the same for this academic year, but there are some changes students should be aware of when trying to navigate to class without wanting to wear a hard hat.
Because parking as been such a hassle, Harris said students can expect to see more Bully Bikes on campus. New shipments of about 100 are scheduled to arrive mid-September. These new bikes will have baskets, adjustable seats and tougher tires.
Harris said the cost of a parking decal is $10 more than last year, at $85, and the only two commuter zones left with spots open are Northwest and Coliseum. If you have not already bought your decal, Harris said he suggests to try getting a spot in the Northwest zone.
“The best advice I can give to students is to just try and arrive on campus a little earlier,” he said.
Dean of Students Thomas Bourgeois said students should generally acquaint themselves with the parking regulations.
According to the Parking Services Web site, citations can be as straightforward as parking in a handicapped spot and traffic obstruction, or as “mutilated permit” and “area marked yellow.”
“Knowing even a few of the parking rules and regulations can be helpful in ticket appeals,” Bourgeois said.
Some tips would be to appeal on time, know the regulations and be aware that commuter student, faculty and staff parking lots are open to all students after 5 p.m.; however, you must be in a valid, legal space excluding spaces marked exclusive, service, handicap or reserved.
With a new shipment of bikes, construction and plans for a new four or five story parking garage in the works, students can only expect a rise in the number of citations. Knowing how to navigate not only the campus but parking policy will be crucial this year.
“Everyone has to deal with the construction and traffic,” Bourgeois said. “Just be patient and bear with us.”