3D Memorandum - Rate Increase-October 13, 2008

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MEMORANDUM

TO: Deans, Directors, and Department Heads
FROM: Patrick J. Kass CAPP, Director, Parking & Transportation Services
DATE: October 13, 2008
SUBJECT: Rate Increase and Transportation Choices for 2009-2012

In response to the recent Pima Association of Government Needs Assessment and campus growth, Parking & Transportation Services (PTS) has reviewed and evaluated the transportation programs and parking price structure on the UA campus. Our current parking prices are one-half of the average rates charged by local parking lots and garages, and in the lower one-third of our peer institutions.  We can no longer support current services and develop new environmentally friendly programs with the current rates.  PTS is a self-sustaining department and only charges what it costs to provide services to the campus. President Shelton has approved a three year rate increase plan to fund sustainability programs and new garage construction.

Our goal of reducing the number of single occupancy cars on campus, reducing traffic congestion and providing more sustainable transportation choices will dramatically improve our environment and reduce our carbon footprint. In keeping with a sustainable campus philosophy, and meeting the demands of campus growth, the following changes will occur in the 2009-2012 school years.

Rate Changes—Beginning in Fall 2009, the majority of permit prices will increase by $116 per year for the first two years and by $50 per year for the third year. This equates to less than 50 cents per day or less than $10 per month in the first two years, and by less than 20 cents per day or less than $5 per month in the third.

With the new rates, we want to be sure that there are transportation choices available for the entire campus community.  Our alternative transportation programs include inexpensive means to get to campus and are designed to assist those who will not have a vehicle on campus. Different pricing structures are available to help accommodate the individual’s budget and even provide low cost off campus parking with timed shuttle service.

New Alternative Transportation Programs and Improvements – Implemented over three years, the revenue generated from the rate increase will pay for phased in Alternative Transportation and other programs such as:
1.  A substantial increase in the Sun Tran Bus Pass Subsidy Program
2.  Car Sharing Program
3.  Bike Sharing Program
4.  New Park & Ride Lots
5.  New On-Campus Cat Tran Shuttle Routes
6.  Automated pay stations for our garages
7.  New garage construction funding
8.  A student payment plan
9.  Prepaid daily parking in garages

Public meetings will be scheduled for the campus community in the near future. Specific rate changes, new program information and Q&A’s may be found at: www.parking.arizona.edu/programchanges.