Expansion, stack parking eases driver woes
Problems still exist with crowded lots, expensive permits
By Karen Duryea
Daily Bruin Contributor
In an attempt to remedy UCLA’s parking shortage, Parking and
Commuter Services has made some recent changes to increase the
number of spaces in university parking structures.
Lot 3, located north of the Franklin Murphy Sculpture Garden,
was expanded in time for the fall 1995 quarter.
"It’s been very successful," said Penny Menton, associate
director of Transportation Services.
Lot 8, in comparison, accommodates more cars by utilizing "stack
parking." Drivers leave their keys with a parking attendant, while
cars are parked one behind the other.
Parking officials claimed that "stack parking" has allowed 1,000
more Bruins to attain parking permits since the idea was
implemented last April.
And while the number of parking spaces increases, permit rates
will remain steady at $117 per quarter for commuters and $147 per
quarter for on-campus residents, Menton said.
Some commuters, such as Alex Balekian, said parking permit rates
already a bit too high.
"I pay enough for books and gas," said Balekian, a first-year
biology student who parks in Lot 32. "A lot of other schools are
cheaper," Balekian said.
Students living in the Westwood area agreed that permit rates
are on the expensive side.
"I think it’s kind of high, but its not outrageous," said Jung
Lim, a third-year microbiology student who drives from his
apartment to Lot 2 daily.
Due to continuing fee analysis, it has not been determined
whether rates will change during the coming school year, officials
said.
In fall 1995, nearly 5,000 commuting students were given permits
and 950 dorm residents were given residence hall parking. Priority
is given to carpoolers in order to lessen traffic and lower the
demand for commuter permits. Parking Services gave out 394 student
carpool permits for fall quarter.
Despite the fact that they have permits, some students often
find it difficult to find a space in their designated lot.
Lim claimed he encounters a crunch to get a space in Lot 2,
located on Hilgard Avenue.
"It’s pretty tough if you don’t get here early, but that’s part
of the fun, trying to get here early," Lim joked.
Balekian said he doesn’t have trouble finding refuge for his
vehicle in Lot 32, but admitted that he arrives at school well
before most other students.
Parking shortages in some of the lots are partly due to the fact
that permits are issued over the lot’s capacity. Parking and
Commuter Services officials go on the assumption that not all
students park in the lots at the same time during the day.
Balekian, content with his permit, did have one suggestion for
parking services.
"Go easy with the citations," he said. Bitter from receiving a
ticket for parking in a different lot to make it on time to a
midterm, Balekian argued that a $30 ticket is extravagant.
Parking permit applications for the spring quarter are due Feb.
5 by 5 p.m. at Parking Services, 555 Westwood Plaza. Results are
mailed back to applicants by Feb. 12. Applicants have two weeks to
respond to their offer.Comments to webmaster@db.asucla.ucla.edu