The University of New Mexico Department of Parking and Transportation Services recently announced 2008-09 permit rates, incorporating a price increase for services. “No-one wants to see parking prices rise,” said Parking and Transportation Services Director, Clovis Acosta. “I understand the concerns of members of the UNM community. This increase is necessary to keep up with the rising price of fuel, as well as purchasing other petroleum-based products.”
The rate increases for the 2008-09 school year are as follows:
Rate Changes...
** Meters and Cornell Structure (from $1.60/hour to $1.75/hour - .15 increase)
** South - G and Q Lots (from $112/year to $124/year - $1/month increase)
** Dorm residents (from $220/year to $242/year - $2.20/month increase)
** T Lot (from $151/year to $166/year - $1.25/month increase)
** Surface Lot (from $331/year to $364/year - $2.75/month increase) *
* Surface Lots are parking lots located on the core campus (A, M, L, etc.). The prices listed are for the median salary range. Other permit types and salary ranges have different increases. Check the Parking web site for permit information at: Parking Permits for more information.
“Of course we regret having to introduce any raise in charges,” Acosta continued. “We have succeeded in buffering much of the real-term costs internally, but because we are fully self-funded, inevitably there is an amount that is passed on to the customer.”
But what does this price increase mean for the average UNM student, staff or faculty member? The additional money raised from the permit increase will help to replace older buses currently used in shuttle runs around the campus, some of which are nearly 14 years old. The new replacements not only give much improved fuel economy—reducing the cost of shuttle runs—but will also produce much less greenhouse gas, due to improved technology.
It is often easy to overlook the broader role of the shuttle service. The advantage of an efficient, dedicated on-campus fleet provides:
· Decongestion of central campus
· Better pedestrian safety and flow
· Improved air quality and reduction of intrusive traffic noise
· Better quality of learning environment
Another expensive factor however, are the parking lots themselves which are beginning to deteriorate and need considerable attention. Asphalt is petroleum-based and has recently undergone a 30 percent price increase.
“We are constantly working to improve parking on campus. We are designing new, purpose-built parking structures and locating them centrally on campus. The permit revenue helps us meet the debt obligation on these projects. I believe that the new prices reflect a fair and balanced increase and that Parking and Transportation remains highly competitive and continues to deliver an excellent range of services to our customers,” said Acosta.
Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; email: bhendrix@unm.edu