At the start of the winter 2023 term, students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) were distributed a notice informing them that the parking rates for student/public lots will be increasing from a day rate of $5.50 to $9.25. It is important to note that there is no option to pay by hour, only the full day rate.

At first glance one may assume that this increase as a deterrent for students to drive to campus and instead take more sustainable options such as transit or cycling. 

Unfortunately, many students are in circumstances where taking transit or cycling to campus is not possible. This could be be due to living far from campus (often associated with rent costs or financial situation) or mobility issues.  

BCIT is notorious for programs with demanding course loads ("usually six to eight rigorous courses per semester" - BCIT website: What to Expect), making working outside of your class and homework hours challenging. Paring that with inflation and the high living costs in the lower-mainland any additional financial strain jeopardizes the completion of an individuals education. 

Stop the parking rate increase at BCIT and support students in completing their education!