Parking is cruel at BSU

As the Fall 2006 school year begins, students are finding 4 x 6 cards on their vehicles informing them of the parking permit fess, how to purchase a permit and where to park on campus. A parking map was also illustrated on the other side of the card. “The map will help both new and returning students by identifying the locations where general permit parking is most likely available, and to indicate where new parking lots are that were not there last year, said Jared Everett, Executive director of Public Safety and Transportation at Boise State.

Since August of last year, the parking and transportation department has been busy preparing campus for the parking needed this year and in years to come. Approximately 250 more spaces have been added to various areas throughout campus. Also, the parking lots have been repainted and repaired as necessary.

The first day classes were in session Monday August 21, signs were placed throughout campus directing students where they were permitted to park if they have a general or reserved parking pass. Students said the signs were helpful in knowing where to park without getting fined on the first day of school.

According to the Parking and Transportation department, fines have increased this year. Last year a student guilty of a parking violation would pay $10 for things such as expired meters, parking in a permit required area without a matching permit and many more. This year, however, the fine will now be increased to $15 per violation with an additional $2 fee for any fines paid over 30 days late.

To avoid both tickets and long

lines at the Parking and Transportation building located adjacent to the Student Union Building, an online permit system has been set up for student convenience. Now students can go to www.boisestate.edu/parking and select permit to purchase a permit online or pay outstanding citations.

“We have received many compliments that the system is convenient and easy to use, and based on the reduction of the waiting lines, I would say it has been a success,” said Everett.

However, for weekend and non-traditional students attending classes less than 80 hours per week, Everett said the least expensive way to park on campus would be to pay the hourly fee. The general parking permits cost $80 whereas a vehicle parked on campus less than 80 hours per week paying the hourly $1 fee would be more cost effective. A less expensive weekend permit is also available for purchase.

The city bus and Boise State shuttle are free services offered to students throughout the year to reduce the cost of transportation to and from campus. More information can be found at the Parking and Transportation building or website.

Overall parking on campus and accessibility are projected to improve over time. Not only were 250 spaces added this year, but also a new parking structure, which is projected to begin construction within the next eight weeks, is in the works.

“We expect this year to progress like many others; parking will be very tight the first couple weeks on campus as students start classes, buy books, and explore welcome week activities. After the first few weeks class loads adjust, fewer students are on campus for administrative purposes, and parking will normalize,” said Everett.

JESSICA WIGLEY
News Writer

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