In light of the University’s recent decision to increase parking meter fees, I would like to suggest an additional change: Extend the parking meter hours at the Activities and Recreation Center, or the ARC.

Parking in the ARC lot is currently free after 5 p.m. Because there is a high demand for free parking at the ARC, the lot rapidly fills up and stays full for the next several hours. We don’t complain that the University charges for basketball tickets when those are in demand. Why should we complain when highly demanded parking spaces carry a slightly higher fee? Extending the parking meter hours at the ARC will result in three benefits to the very drivers who use that parking lot:

• Easier/quicker parking: Meter pricing and enforcement times can be set such that the ARC lot is 80 percent full instead of 100 percent. This means that people who make the choice to drive to the ARC will always be assured of finding an open space.
• Improved safety: Currently, drivers cruise down lanes in search for elusive open spots. These drivers focus their attention on the sides of the aisles, distracting them from seeing other drivers or pedestrians moving through the lot. If the price of parking rises, more spaces will be open, resulting in less cruising by distracted drivers.
• Cleaner air: When cars circle the lot looking for empty spaces, they needlessly emit extra greenhouse gasses.

Additionally, a higher price for parking will encourage more gym users to walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus to the ARC, less pollutive choices than solo driving.

Increasing the price of parking at the ARC will not reduce human travel to the ARC; it will merely reduce vehicle travel to the ARC. The University should stop thinking only about drivers’ wallets and consider their time, safety and health as well.

_Ben LeRoy,

graduate student_