We, the students of UT Dallas, are deeply concerned about the ongoing parking issues on our campus. Over the past few years, the cost of parking passes has skyrocketed, while the availability of parking spaces has dwindled. The recent changes have made it increasingly difficult for students to find affordable and accessible parking.

The Issues:

1. Price Increases: The price of the cheapest parking pass (green) has increased by 29.33% over the past two years, rising from $150 in 2022 to $194 in 2024. The next tier of parking (gold) now costs $348, a difference of $154. And if you’re feeling really adventurous (or perhaps just desperate), the orange pass is available for a mere $536—just a slight $188 more than the gold pass and only a minor $342 above the green pass. No big deal, right?
2. Lack of Available Parking: Affordable parking spots are becoming scarce, forcing students to opt for more expensive passes. The most affordable green pass is nearly eradicated, leading students to choose the gold pass, which is often full. This, in turn, compels students to purchase the more expensive orange pass.
3. Inaccessibility: The affordable parking spots that remain are often located very far from campus buildings, making them not only inconvenient but also unreasonable to access in the Texas heat or poor weather conditions. Students are often seen walking to classes with umbrellas, covering their faces with jackets, or doing anything they can to stay out of the sun. Not to mention, there is no shade anywhere near the parking lots, so the long walk is completely unprotected. This distance also poses a threat to students' safety, particularly when walking alone at night. Moreover, students with disabilities face additional challenges, as handicapped parking spots are not always close to where they need to go, exacerbating their difficulties in navigating the campus.

Why You Should Sign: UT Dallas is primarily a commuter school, and these parking issues affect a significant portion of the student body. Students arrive hours early to secure a parking spot, which is unacceptable. Moreover, UTD has the highest public tuition rate in Texas, averaging about $2,000 more per year for in-state students. We should not be forced to endure poor parking conditions and consistent price hikes.

By signing this petition, you are making a stand against these injustices. We want the university administration to understand our frustration and take immediate action to address these issues. We call for a halt to further price increases and demand that affordable and accessible parking options be available to all students.

Let’s make a difference together. Sign the petition and let your voice be heard!

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Proposed Solutions to Improve Parking and Accessibility at UT Dallas:

As students deeply invested in the quality of our campus experience, we believe that the following solutions will help address the ongoing parking challenges. We urge the university to consider these actionable steps, which can be realistically implemented to create a more accessible and affordable parking system.

1. Increase the Number of Affordable Parking Spaces

• Reevaluate Parking Allocation: We suggest the university reassess how parking spaces are currently allocated, with the possibility of converting underutilized premium spots into more affordable options, such as green or gold passes.
• Expand Parking Areas: We recommend looking for opportunities to expand existing parking lots or build new ones closer to the main campus. These new spaces should be both affordable and accessible, helping to alleviate the current shortage of parking spots.
• Vertical Parking Structures: While we understand this requires significant investment, we believe constructing multi-level parking structures could drastically increase the number of available spaces without taking up additional ground space. This solution would serve the long-term needs of the growing campus community.

2. Enhance Comet Cruiser Services

• Expand Comet Cruiser Routes: We propose increasing the frequency and reach of campus shuttles, especially to more distant parking lots. This would make it more convenient for students to park further away while still ensuring they can arrive at class on time.
• Safe Night Shuttle Service: To ensure student safety, particularly when walking from distant lots after dark, we suggest providing a reliable shuttle service that runs late into the night. This service would be a critical addition to enhancing campus safety and accessibility.

3. Improve Accessibility for Students with Disabilities

• Increase Handicap Parking Spots: We strongly urge the university to add more handicap parking spots closer to campus buildings. This would ensure that students with disabilities can park near the locations they need to access, improving their overall campus experience and mobility.

4. Explore Alternative Transportation Solutions

• Bike and Scooter Programs: We recommend expanding bike-sharing or electric scooter programs on campus. These alternatives can provide students with convenient transportation options, reducing the demand for on-campus parking.

5. Engage in Student-Administration Dialogue

• Regular Feedback Sessions: We propose establishing a committee or holding regular forums where students can voice their concerns directly to the administration. This platform would allow for collaborative discussion of potential solutions and ensure that student voices are heard.
• Surveys and Feedback Forms: To better understand student needs, we suggest using surveys to gather input on parking issues and potential solutions. This feedback would provide valuable insights and help the administration make informed decisions.

6. Enhance Communication and Transparency

• Clear Communication: We request that any changes to parking policies or fees be communicated to students clearly and well in advance. Providing explanations for these changes would help students understand the reasons behind them and plan accordingly.
• Transparency in Parking Revenue Usage: We believe it is important for the university to be transparent about how parking fee revenue is being used, particularly if it is being reinvested in parking improvements or other student benefits. This transparency would build trust and ensure that the student body is informed about how their money is being utilized.