MSU parking officials are making sure your pockets jingle a bit louder this semester. About 40 percent of the university's 1,100 metered spaces increased hourly rates from $1.25 to $1.50 on July 1.
In the middle of a budget crunch, every nickel and dime can help, but the wrong drivers are being penalized in this price hike. The university should provide relief for temporary parkers, encouraging motorists on campus to get in and get out so MSU's parking system doesn't remained clogged.
High-traffic areas, such as the Shaw Lane garage, is one of the affected areas that will have drivers fishing around in wallets a little longer, while the Trowbridge Road garage rates on the south side of campus were raised to $1.25.
Targeting these high-traffic areas showed a lot of cunning on the university's part.
By doing this, a profit is made from drivers who try to find the most convenient place to park.
For a flat fee, students with registered cars can park in lots 79 or 62 or the Wharton Center ramp. Many can turn to the less expensive, yet far-off, locations, although it might make them late for classes or jobs.
The price hike was necessary to cover costs of the university's independent $7.3 million parking unit, said MSU police Deputy Chief Mike Rice. Meters account for $1.1 million of the budget.
Although officials meant well when they raised the prices, they did not realize that their focus is misguided. Generally, users of metered parking on campus only use the parking spaces for unusually long or very short periods of time, but rarely on a regular basis.
Drivers might have to take an exam, which could last an hour or so, or have to use an ATM, which should take no longer than 10 minutes. Only permit rates should have been raised. Many users of parking permits use them every day, or they leave their car there until it is necessary to be driven.
But at the rate the university is going, freshmen might be paying $5 an hour by the time they graduate. The university should follow East Lansing's example and work on developing a system where prices do not have to be raised as often. Though the city of East Lansing also raised its metered parking rates this summer - from 75 cents to $1 per hour. But it was the first time in fourteen years the price went up.
The university also can start cracking down on illegal parking. Increasing ticket rates can not only increase revenue but also discourage drivers from taking away spaces from those who really need them, such as drivers with disabilites. Drivers could also park in East Lansing for 50 cents cheaper, but that will probably add to the frustration of finding a space on already-crowded streets.
With increased meter prices, students should consider using MSU's mass transporation system. This proves to be economically and environmentally friendly. It also cuts traffic on campus.
Increasing meter prices is one of those things that sounds like a good idea at first, but down the road it isn't.
This will only cause more problems - adding more financial burden to drivers who already have to pay enough.
