Some lots already filled with current permit-holders

Hoping to attain the parking permit of her choice, Stephanie Lautz, an art history sophomore, is doing the unthinkable for a college student - getting up at 6 a.m.

The plight of Lautz is not uncommon for those unlucky students who must jockey for a permit after current permit holders have already had a chance to renew. Even if she gets a permit, it might not be the one she desires and she might have to pay an extra $215 for a garage permit.

"I'm expecting a pretty decent line that will get bigger as the day goes on," Lautz said. "I'm hoping to get a Zone 1 permit but if not, I'll probably end up with a garage permit," she said.

Current permit-holders have been registering for weeks and have already purchased all the available spaces in the Second Street Garage and lots 3039 and 1016, as well as all the Super Passes, which allow the holder to park in any lot or garage, a Parking and Transportation Services operator said.

But the PTS information line operator said that individual permit-holders will not get a lot assignment until May.

While prospective permit holders can go on a waiting list, there are more than 300 people on the waiting list for 3039.

Prices for permits range from $65 for off-campus commuter lots to $185 for Zone 1 permits and $400 for garages.

Those wishing to register can do so by either going to the University Services building, 888 N. Euclid Ave., to the first floor lobby from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 626-PARK. PTS is normally open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The permit assignments will be posted at the end of May and will be held until Sept. 3.

The waiting list will be updated Sept. 5, and notification postcards will be sent out the following day. Permits have to be picked up by Sept. 20. Assignments will be posted on http://parking.arizona.edu, or avaliable by calling 626-PARK on Sept. 6. Waiting lists will remain in effect until March 1, 2003.

Applicants who get permits will have first priority to get them next year, and people who already have access to permits say that not having to deal with waiting lists is a major relief.

"My girlfriend has a permit, so I don't have to deal with all of that," said Pete Herrea, an electrical engineering senior.

Some students are not as lucky, however, either because they couldn't get the permit they wanted or just that they couldn't get one at all.

"When I first got my permit, I didn't get the one I wanted. I don't remember which one I wanted though. I ended up in one of those little lots by Coronado," said Jocelyn Lupetin, a psychology junior. "It really is a pain, because it's so expensive," she said.