Parking Fees Face Minimal Increase

RICE NEWS OFFICE
April 30, 1998

Due to the success of the campus parking program during the past year, changes in fees for the next fiscal year will be minimal, according to university officials.

And the prospect of campus construction projects has prompted the Parking Committee to urge university officials to add parking issues to the planning process for new buildings on campus.

The changes made last year to address overcrowded conditions of close-in parking–most notably M Lot fronting Allen Center and Cohen House–were successful, making parking at the front of campus manageable, said Neill Binford, associate vice president for Finance & Administration.

As a result, parking fees for M Lot will remain the same for Fiscal Year 1999 with a slight increase projected for FY 2000, while other close-in parking will increase $3: $98 for faculty/staff lots and $87.50 for residential college lots (students also pay a $10.50 shuttle bus fee).

Stadium parking fees will remain $10.50 for FY 1999. A very slight increase to $11 could occur in FY 2000 since this fee has remained constant during the past two years, Binford said.

Adherence to new fees and rules and regulations during the past year resulted in a decrease of parking violations, which has had a positive impact in all lots, he added.

As construction projects loom on the horizon, parking concerns will be addressed by Parking Committee members.

“There is no strong desire by the committee to alter the beautiful green spaces that are Rice’s trademark images,” Binford said. “Parking issues need to be addressed as facilities are added.”

During the past three years the university’s Parking Committee, under the direction of the Jones School’s Wil Uecker, has concentrated on implementing a fee system and policies that would be equitable to all members of the Rice community.

“I want to thank all who have served on the Parking Committee during the past three years,” said Uecker, who will step down as committee chair at the end of the current fiscal year on June 30. “Members of the committee have addressed difficult issues in a sensitive and professional manner and at times in the face of protests for their recommendations.”

For related information visit the following Web site:
Parking Committee: http://riceinfo.rice.edu/projects/parking/

Parking Fees Face Minimal Increase