by Josh Kavanagh
Guest Columnist
On behalf of the staff of Parking and Transportation Services, I would like to welcome all new students, faculty, and staff to the University of New Mexico. Parking at a University is a very different experience from parking at any other facility. Later in the semester, I will offer a few thoughts on how the campus parking and transportation system works including 10 tips for getting to and around the University.
lRead the parking regulations
The parking regulations are a quick 15-minute read. This small investment of time can save big headaches and lots of cash. Just think - if it only helped you to avoid a single $15 citation, it would be like paying yourself $60 an hour to read.
lBuy a permit
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Permit parking is the single most cost-effective parking option at the University. This is particularly true in the park and ride lots, where customers pay only a fraction of the cost of services. Even if you know you will use meters or other parking options frequently, a parking permit can pay for itself if it is used just 10 times over the course of a year.
lBudget time to park
The most common reason given for any violation of the parking regulations is a lack of time. When we hurry, we can easily forget to display a permit or feel forced to park in restricted areas. The additional time required to use the park and ride lots versus metered parking is only about fifteen minutes but each day countless students choose to pay a premium for metered parking because they are running late.
lHave a parking plan
Knowing where you are likely to find parking is a critical first step in avoiding a lengthy hunt for parking and the stress that comes with it. Remember, the best objective is not the closest space but the one you can get in and out of most quickly.
lHave a backup plan
From time to time, you will find it necessary to come to the University a little early or late. You will also find that events on campus may change the parking pattern in the area you usually use. By making a mental note of what your other parking options are, you will save time when your usual parking location is full.
lUse the shuttle system
The shuttle system is more than transportation to and from parking lots. The Redondo Shuttle provides service every 15 minutes to the Schools of Medicine and Law, the Duck Pond, Student Services, Biology, Engineering, Human Resources, and other popular destinations. The shuttle has scheduled departures from Yale Mall and the Family Practice Center on the hour and every 15 minutes thereafter, making it quick and easy to for those familiar with the route to get wherever they are going on campus.
lOverpay meters
Murphy's Law applies here. If you put exactly enough time on your parking meter, something will happen that causes you to be late. An extra quarter is cheap insurance against a possible $15 citation and if you don't end up needing the time, you'll give the next person to pull into the space something to smile about.
lAvoid colored curbs
Yellow safety zones and red fire zones are strictly enforced because they are critical to keeping the University community safe. Green zones are almost always restricted to service or official vehicles and keeping them open allows the University to deliver some of the basic services we often take for granted. Blue curbs indicate either handicapped parking or a wheelchair cut. Marked spaces with blue curbs are restricted to persons displaying their state-issued handicapped parking placard.
lPay or appeal tickets on time
Settling citations promptly by payment or appeal requires a deliberate action by the customer. It is a common misconception that all citations are deducted from financial aid or payroll. Even when a citation is billed to a student account, it is after the citation has already become delinquent, something that makes the acceptance of future appeals less likely.
lWalk, bike, skate, bus or carpool
It may be last on our list but the people who find alternatives to bringing their personal car to campus really are first in our hearts. At UNM we are challenged, as are most universities, by having a very large group of people convene each day in a very small location. Your decision to find a better way to get to campus helps relieve some of the strain on the campus parking and transportation system. At the same time, these other transportation options can improve health, reduce stress, save you money, and make it easier for you to move about the campus.
Many thousands of students, faculty, staff and visitors park at the University and utilize the shuttle system each day. By following these suggestions the majority have made getting to work or school a simple, stress-free endeavor. We welcome your suggestions by e-mail at parktran@unm.edu.
Josh Kavanagh is the associate director at Parking & Transportation Services
