Permit price increase positive for campus parking situation

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Students, faculty, and staff are upset about the Parking Department’s increase in parking prices. Those who drive to campus are understandably miffed at the prospect of paying more and wonder if they are really getting value for that $140 to $235 they must pay next year for parking permits.

In spite of this, I support the parking price increase. This seems counterintuitive, but allow me to explain why.

Higher prices benefit the on-campus parkers. With higher prices, fewer people will buy permits. Those who buy permits will see more value because there will be more available parking spots. Also, part of the money from permits will go toward improving existing lots and creating more lots.

Higher prices benefit the University. Parking is a luxury when most students and faculty could use public transportation, walk or bike. Part of the money paid for this luxury will go toward campus improvement projects that benefit everyone, not just drivers. Higher prices may also mean less traffic on campus, which improves student safety.

There are also big-picture benefits. If higher prices cut down on those who drive to campus, then that would indicates that students are polluting less. If it means that more students take public transportation, then those systems would benefit from increased revenue. If more students walk and bike as alternatives to driving, then they would benefit from the additional exercise. Finally, if fewer people drive to class, that means the University has cut down on the average gasoline consumption of its students and faculty. This means that we are slowing our use of a nonrenewable energy source, and lessening our financial support of unstable OPEC countries including Iran and Saudi Arabia.

So quit complaining and pony up the cash, ride your bike or rent an apartment closer to campus.

Meredith Vacek

Lawrence

Non-traditional student

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