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Parking and Transportation Services is holding two more symposiums to discuss ideas and suggestions for next year's parking program. Less than 15 students attended the first two meetings. If you want to see changes in parking, show up next time.
Out of all the complaints students fire at the administration, those about campus parking remain among the most heated. Annoyed by a lack of spaces and racked by rising prices, UA students, employees and faculty complain about parking. Whether these are warranted or not, those peeved at parking have often neglected to turn their ailments into actions.
Parking and Transportation Services held two symposiums last week, one Wednesday and another Thursday, to answer questions, field comments and discuss solutions to perceived parking problems. The most recent symposium attracted less than 10 students. The first attracted only two.
This campus serves more than 50,000 people, most of whom are affected by the university's parking policies. Yet, two out of those 50,000 chose to attend. That's 4/1,000s of a percent. That's one out of 25,000 people. That's apathy.
Disgruntled motorists may justify this by believing their comments will simply be ignored. Those who have attended and voiced their complaints, however, prove that this is not necessarily so.
At prior symposiums, many suggestions and complaints have resulted in concrete actions. One student asked for increased shuttle hours; hours were increased. Another complained of unsafe parking near the Student Recreation Center; parking was moved for security and flexibility. Students have also asked for more shuttles, an increase in shuttle range and more disabled parking near the Campus Health Center. Each of these suggestions was fulfilled.
Marlis Davis, director of Parking and Transportation, said, "We're very willing to listen." In a rare university spectacle, students are unwilling to speak.
Parking and Transportation Services is holding two more symposiums to hear ideas and suggestions regarding next year's parking program. One will be held tomorrow in McClelland Hall, Room 131 from noon to 1 p.m., and the final meeting on Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. will be in the Memorial Student Union, Room 256.
Here's your chance, disgruntled motorists. If you have advice, now is the time to give it. If you have complaints, here is the place to voice them. If you want change, be part of the solution and attend the symposiums. You have two chances left. Show up.
Editoral Staff
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