Although student parking at USF has been a continuing problem for years, the issue still remains a priority for the general student body.
“Student parking is either congested or inconvenient,” said Zuheir Mirza, 18, a USF resident majoring in biomedical science. “They expect us to park across campus when we're crunched for time. The restrictions on parking are extremely inconvenient.”
The recent construction of the Muma Basketball Center and the Interdisciplinary Science Teaching and Research Facility (ISA) has changed the availability of parking on campus for students.
In response to the changes, Frank Granda, operations manager for Parking and Transportation Services said, “ Although 450-500 parking spaces are temporarily lost, we have replaced 300 parking spaces, which are located in front of the Alumni Center on campus.”
“Through innovative technological alternatives, we are working toward improving the problems students face with parking,” said Granda. “Ultimately, preparation and convenience will eliminate any frustration that a student may experience when parking at USF.”
Manuel Lopez, director of Parking and Transportation Services, said 40,000 students attend USF, but only 20,000 parking spaces are available at a time. Out of those 20,000 parking spaces, 800 are unoccupied and available on a daily basis.
“Parking spaces are available, but not all in the designated areas that students prefer,” said Lopez. “Students are often looking for convenient parking, which is not practical.”
According to Lopez, the staff at Parking and Transportation Services is continually working to provide alternatives for students.
“Instead of driving around the parking lot for 30 to 40 minutes, parking in close proximity to campus and presenting a USFCard admits students to ride on the Bull Runner, USF’s campus shuttle,” said Lopez. “It should take no more than 20 minutes for most students.”
Just this past year, USF has added a bus tracking system called the BullTracker. It’s a live active system that allows students to track Bull Runner via web and on mobile phones.
“It helps students plan ahead, which has been efficient and convenient for some,” said Lopez.
In accordance to Bull Runner, USF allows a free mass transit service on HART, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, to students with a valid USFCard.
Lastly, students can sign up for USF’s carpooling program called WeCar, which is an alternative method to get to school. Students can save gas and avoid the hassle of parking.
The Department of Parking and Transportation Services has joined Facebook and Twitter. This way, students can be informed of any delays, temporary or permanent changes done to student parking on campus. Students are encouraged to share comments and suggestions on Facebook and Twitter.
“Being informed is half the battle,” said Granda.
USF and Parking and Transportation Services are constructing new plans to help eliminate and ease the flow of traffic around campus.
“It’s not perfect, but we’re working on it and it’s getting a lot better,” said Lopez. “We are always looking for ways to improve.”
For More Information:
Parking
- USF Parking Services Homepage
- Parking Permit Information
- Parking Brochure (PDF)
- Parking Map (PDF)
- Visitor Parking Map (PDF)
- Citation and Ticketing Information
Bull Runner
- Bull Runner Homepage
- Bull Runner Route Map (PDF)
- USF/HART Bus Ride Program
Story by Arefa Ahmad
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