pus PoliticsWith Parking Surveys


way the state has set it up. Parking has to pay for itself through user fees,” Kimball said. There were a total of 92 respon-


dents this year, and comparedwith last year’s numbers, Kimball reports most universities who responded were rais- ing rates. This year’s survey showed that the


average cost for a staff permit for a numbered surface lot space is $819. The high was $2,235 and the low was $50.A student commuter permit for a surface lot space averaged at $240, with a high of $1,158 and a lowof $25. The average rate for a remote park- and-ride parking permit was $182, with a high of $1,188 and a lowof $22. Although only 22 respondents


provided information for the cost of a numbered garage space, the results show a high premium, with an average rate at $1,343 and a high of $5,200. The TAMU rate increase that has


been implemented will go toward maintenance issues and plans for a new garage. ItsTransportation Depart- ment handles a variety of services, including parking, bus transit and the university’s fleet of vehicles. There are 100 parking lots and


five garages atTAMU–more than any other university in the world, Kimball said – that add up to about 35,000 parking spaces. TAMUTransportation also manages 80 buses, which give an estimated 5.5million rides a year.


To see more information on the TAMU survey, go to www.parkingtoday.com,


click on out “e” version of PT, go to page 43 and click HERE.


The survey helped TAMU’s


Transportation group establish a process by which parking rates could be implemented. The group’s survey identifies trends and averages at simi- lar universities. Then a group of stu- dents, faculty and staff consider the facts and can approve or disapprove. “It’s a matter of putting together


good numbers and making projections to get where we need to be and then raising it a tiny bit each year,” Kimball


SEPTEMBER 2009 • PARKING TODAY • www.parkingtoday.com 43


said. “You never get 100%. but we were able to get it all passed, and we’ve come upwith a specific plan through our com- mittee on how to take this process for- ward in the future.” Recent budget changes affect park-


ing costs atTAMUthe sameway they do atmany universities. “As our state funding goes down,


the general fees and tuition go up for the student. When the other fees get pres- sured, it’s important to us to keep fees down,” Kimball said. “We are there at the average where the industry is at – they are not being overcharged.” The TAMU Transportation group


has taken a unique and proactive approach to addressing the financial reality of the university’s parking costs and profits. In announcing the award, PI officials said that Texas A&M’s Trans- portation Services Department was selected for its “leadership and innova- tive solutions for the industry.” “Being honored as Parking Organi-


zation of theYear ismost appropriate for TAMUTransportation Services in view of your many contributions to the park- ing and transportation industry,” said Don Thornton, a member of the IPI award committee, in notifying Texas A&Mofficials of the award.Thornton is Director of Parking and Transportation Services at the University of Kentucky. “The strength and recognition


attained by the TAMU department over the past five years is a tribute to a talent- ed staff and supporting university administration,” Thornton added. “Being ParkingOrganization of theYear is not only a compliment for the past, but also reflects upon the future of Transportation Services and Texas A&MUniversity.”


Melissa Bean Sterzick is PT’s roving reporter, proofreader and Amateur Parker. She can be reached at Melissa@parkingtoday.com


PT


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