Historically, the issue of parking spawns heated debates between students and officials on the U’s commuter campus. This year will undoubtedly provide no exceptions.

Many students remain skeptical about implementing solutions to improve the perpetual parking problem. “There is just too little parking for the price I pay for my parking pass, especially since I’m required to have one at the residence halls,” said senior Nena Wilson. “Visitor parking at the residence halls also needs to be expanded.”

Despite the skepticism and impatience with the parking situation on campus, much has been done to improve vehicle and pedestrian mobility on the crowded campus this year. In fact, according to Commuter Services records, main campus lots averaged 900 vacant spots per day during 2003.

Alma Allred, director of Commuter Services, is aware of students’ parking concerns and has issued an update regarding changes to the Fall Semester parking, shuttles and transit services at the U.

Student E and U parking permit prices, which are used to fund the shuttle system, will remain the same this year at $60 and $120, respectively. Other improvements available to commuters this year include a new crosswalk on Foothill Boulevard between Guardsman Way and Wasatch Drive to aid pedestrian access and safety between parking lots and the main campus.

Also, students can continue to utilize the new Utah Transit Authority ED-Passes, which offer unlimited use of UTA buses and TRAX trains. ED-Passes are available at the Bookstore, the Union front desk, the Commuter Services office and the UCard offices in the U Hospital cafeteria and the Union to all enrolled students.

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Parking Permit PricesAnnual”A” permits: $192″U” permits: $120″E” permits: $60Semester”A” permits: N/A”U” permits: $68″E” permits: $35