Parking pay stations are a hassle, need to be fixed

Editor,

It was the second day of school, and as my last class ended, I remembered what I dread most about returning to school: leaving the parking structure.

After my ticket read "invalid" at the pay-on-foot station, I was forced - like many of my fellow students - to wait in line for 45 minutes to pay at the booth. While I sat in my car inching closer to the booth, I came to the conclusion that something must be done. The fee to park in the structure is $1.60 per hour. For this price, you should be able to leave in a reasonable amount of time. However, the pay-on-foot stations simply do not work.

Whether it is your parking ticket or your card, a malfunction will occur. I cannot express the frustration of having to repeatedly enter my credit card while "unable to read card" flashes on the screen and a line of disgruntled people behind me stare impatiently.

Because the pay-on-foot stations do not work, you often must wait 20 to 45 minutes to pay at the booth. Like many UNM students, I also work and have a schedule to keep. It is outrageous that I should have to be late or call into work because I cannot exit the parking structure.

With the recent tuition increase and such extravagant expenses as a new basketball coach, I do not understand why UNM cannot provide decent, functioning pay stations. As a member of this University community, I am outraged at the lack of such a basic and necessary service.

Sarah DeLorenzo

UNM student