Every year, students debate whether or not to bring their cars
to school with them. But with a limited number of parking permits
issued every year, UCLA works to provide alternative modes of
transportation so that students do not have to feel compelled to
drive on campus.
Catherine Todd, the manager of parking programs, said 8,636
students applied for parking permits for fall 2004, but only 3,608
students received them, the majority of which went to commuter
students.
Parking applications for fall 2005 were made available in June,
and UCLA Parking Services received about 3,000 applications in the
first three weeks of availability. Todd said parking services
expects to get about 8,500 applications for the upcoming fall
quarter.
In fall 2003, 4,197 parking permits were issued, 589 more than
were issued in fall 2004.
“I’m hoping that we can offer more permits to
students (this fall),” Todd said. She added that in times of
construction on campus, fewer permits can be issued to drivers. But
now that some of the construction is complete, Todd hopes more
students will be able to park on campus.
Associate Director of Parking Services Brian d’Autremont
encourages students not to bring their cars to college.
“We prefer that people find other modes of transportation
so that people who need parking are able to get it,”
d’Autremont said.
Some students believe commuting to school is a good option.
“People should (commute) because Westwood is expensive to
live in, and UCLA should encourage more people to do so,”
said Elizabeth Walter, a second-year psychology student.
D’Autremont said most students who get parking permits are
graduate students, and teaching assistants are given priority for
parking.
In an effort to promote more efficient modes of transportation,
UCLA Parking Services offers free parking to students who drive
motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. D’Autremont said driving
such vehicles is encouraged because they take up a fraction of the
space a car would occupy.
As permit applications are submitted, parking services reviews
each application to determine who will be granted a permit.
Student parking on the UCLA campus is assigned through a
need-based point system that takes into account a number of
factors, including class standing, commute distance and employment
status, Todd explained. Students who are denied parking but feel
they have special circumstances may request to have their
applications re-evaluated by submitting an appeal, but most of
those who have been denied parking will simply have to seek
alternatives to driving their own cars.
Sam Corbett, the manager of planning and analysis for UCLA
Transportation Services, said alternative modes of transportation
are available to people who want them.
Such alternatives include BruinGo!, which provides discounted
fares for students when they ride the Big Blue Bus and Culver City
Bus; FlexCar, which allows students to rent vehicles on campus; and
the upcoming GO!Metro Pass that will be made available starting
Sept. 6.
The pass will provide discounted rates for students who ride the
city’s Metro Bus lines, which service more of the Los Angeles
area than the Big Blue Bus or the Culver City Bus.