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Campus parking a problem for you? Roll out of the sack earlier! By
Kathryn Summers Everyone whines about it, even me. Parking on campus is a huge problem, we all moan. Sure there are some frustrating things that happen in the rush to find a parking space, but it generally boils down to one thing: students do not allow enough time to get to class. If people would get up in the morning and leave for class on time, many of the frustrations of parking could be alleviated. There are almost always empty spaces in the stadium parking lot. The Aggie shuttle runs through the stadium all day, and it is possible to ride it up to campus. However, there is the issue of time. Of course the shuttles are going to be full in the 15-minute block of time before classes start. Deal with it. There are also such options as riding a bike, scooter, skateboard or roller blades. Some people even walk. These alternative modes of transportation, crazy though they may seem, really are effective. Plus, you get the added benefits of exercise before classes. It takes 15 minutes to walk from the south end of the stadium parking lot to Old Main. Often, walking is a better option that waiting for three full shuttle busses to pass by. In the West we are used to the idea of driving everywhere and parking at the front door. Well, in a lot of places that isn't ever an option. We are just spoiled. It isn't unreasonable to allow a half hour to drive to school, park and get to class. Of course it's hard to get up earlier than absolutely necessary, but that seems to be the best option. Just allow the extra time to find a parking spot, especially when the weather is bad. Another problem is that the number of parking passes sold for the B-lots exceeds the number of parking spaces. At least three B-lot parking passes are sold for every space. This ensures trouble. When people pay for a parking pass, they expect to be able to use it. Limiting the number of passes sold would help with this problem. This could be accomplished simply by raising the price of a parking permit. At the University of Washington students must pay $55 per month for parking. If the cost goes up, more people will find other places to park. Of course, the economy parking should still be an option, but parking near campus should cost more. Then the passes would be self-regulating according to basic supply and demand economics. Some people are so annoyed with the parking situation that they would have a lot built on the Quad or some other open space. Utah State University is renowned for its trees and open spaces. We have a beautiful campus, and it should stay that way. Building another parking lot on one the grassy open spaces is not a good solution. Parking is an issue that students will continue to gripe about because there aren't enough parking spaces close to campus. However, we have alternatives. Ride the shuttle bus, get up earlier in the morning, ride a bike or walk to class. But whatever you do, don't steal my parking spot.
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