It's time I finally speak my mind. Non-commuters, quit parking in the commuter spots. The ratio of commuter parking passes is two to every one spot. That's barely enough for the commuters, let alone everyone else.
So, for those of you who aren't commuters and don't have to suffer through the morning routine, allow me to explain it to you. I leave my apartment at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:10 a.m. class. I only live about five minutes away, so what do I possibly do with the last 35 minutes of my morning commute?
I circle the lots. I often do this slowly, with my car thrown into neutral and the engine constantly revving to show the others I mean business. I really think this is worth the extra gas.
Unfortunately, my Honda Civic's 4-liter engine often isn't enough to cure my morning blues.
I want to point something out. As I'm driving around in the commuter lot, it's difficult to ignore the insanely high amount of cars with non-commuter passes or no passes at all. Can the drivers not distinguish the difference in the letter "N" and the letter "C"? Or are they perhaps too lazy to walk from Hess Hall to the Humanities building?
Now, I understand, because I once lived on campus, that some days you are unfortunately running late, and have to drive. Or it's raining, cold, and you just can't bring yourself to walk. But why take that out on other students? Just try to make a conscious effort to better the parking situation for everyone because one student really can make a difference.
To be more proactive as far as commuters go, we do have some options. I know I, for one, cannot afford another ticket, so parking illegally is not an option for many. However, there are a few other options that you have:
- I have no problem telling someone to leave if I see a car circling the lot without a proper pass. It's that simple. Just tell them not park there. If they refuse or get an attitude, go to step two.
- Call UTPD and get them to handle the situation. You'd be surprised how snug of a space those tow trucks can pull cars from.
- If that doesn't work, at least a nice $24 ticket will do. Those tickets really add up quickly. I'm just hoping, at the very least, the tickets can help to encourage students not to park illegally and perhaps reduce the non-commuter numbers.
When you are a commuter, UTPD, and the officers that ticket and tow, can become your new best friends. Every ticket stuck on an illegally parked car can offer a tiny bit of satisfaction and lend a hand to stopping the illegal parking crisis on campus.
So to the officers at the UT Police Department, I salute you, and thank you for ticketing.
Comments
Jack commented, on March 6, 2008 at 12:08 a.m.:
I saw about 30 to 40 cars parked along Volunteer Blvd with tickets in their windows today. I guess KPD is bathing in money tonight:) It's just upsetting because for the past three months, every single meter over there was out of order, and now, all of a sudden, you got one of those evil little orange tickets grinning at you. I guess they don't have anything better to do. How about circling Fort Sanders a couple of times?
reason commented, on March 6, 2008 at 2:34 a.m.:
despite the point you may have, there is a bigger issue at hand. but first, about your point, why would anyone walk from their dorm to their car, and then drive to a commuter lot where they will walk from their car to their class when both distances are probably about the same? i guess some people do that???
the bigger issue: there are 2 commuter passes to every one spot!!! this is ridiculous! I used to have a commuter pass, but it just wasn't worth it when it took me 10 or more minutes to find a spot on most days, and the spot I did find was a very long walk from my class. It has been much more efficient to not pay for a parking pass and park illegally (NOT in commuter lots) at the meter spots and unmarked spots along campus roads and in the fort. I understand that lots of cars without passes park in commuter lots, but it just proves the point that there needs to be more parking spots available to students.
Amanda commented, on March 6, 2008 at 12:37 p.m.:
I absolutely agree that there needs to be more parking spots. Just 2 weeks ago, I gave up parking on campus. I instead drive to a spot close to camps, park on the side of the road, and go from there. It's really just not worth it!
Franck commented, on March 6, 2008 at 2:18 p.m.:
I do the same. Searching for parking on campus is simply a waste of time and gas, as sad as it is however.
Ashley commented, on March 6, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.:
Amanda,
This was a really funny piece. I did my undergrad in Penn., and your article brought me back to the days of my junior year (that year I decided to move off campus and commute with 3 of my girlfriends). Let's just say I moved across the street my senior year. I think the commuter parking problem is a national problem. I don't think any college or university provides sufficient parking. But I feel your pain. I, too, drove around in circles for fun most mornings, eating up costly gas.
Early Bird commented, on March 6, 2008 at 9:02 p.m.:
As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. I commute and manage to find a spot every morning. But then again, I have 8 a.m. classes every day.
Parker commented, on March 6, 2008 at 11:25 p.m.:
too bad the secret got out this year about the road behind the baseball field.
JB commented, on March 8, 2008 at 10:33 p.m.:
Gibbs residents who park in C-8 (the commuter lot next to McClung Museum and Circle Park) have an extra pass that allows them to park there legally with an N tag. That's why it may seem that there is a high level of N passes in that lot.
But I don't disagree that there is a problem for commuters and non-commuters, alike.