Citations can range from $15, for parking over a line, to $275, for unauthorized parking in a disabled space.
Instead of paying nearly $160 for an annual commuter parking permit, or risking a citation fee, students have found other ways to get to campus.
Whether it is by long board, shuttle or foot, these are the stories of those who choose not to face those costly obstacles.
Adam Jeup, a psychology major, does not want to pay for a parking permit. Instead, Jeup uses another method of transportation to get to and from class, a long board.
"It's fun, I can keep it with me in my classrooms, and I don't have to buy a parking permit," he said.
Sometimes, Jeup will ride his long board to a Bull Runner stop in order to fasten the process, he said.
The Bull Runner, a shuttle service for USF students, faculty and staff, provides transportation on the campus as well as to some locations surrounding campus, according to the Parking and Transportation Service website.
Those who choose to ride the Bull Runner are given five different options, each catering to separate routes on and around campus. Off-campus locations include apartment complexes as well as the University Mall.
When all else fails, one can follow Darrel Green's old-fashioned method — walking. Green, a marketing major, does not have a car, but would choose to walk even if he had one.
"I don't think anyone should have to pay $200 to park in a space," he said. "I live in Avalon which is literally right across the street from campus so why take up a spot if someone actually needs it."
Another option that students have is to ride a bicycle. Jose Barlatier, an engineering major, finds riding his bike to be easier than other methods.
"I ride the bike to campus because I do not have a car and sometimes… it is a lot faster and more efficient than waiting on the bus," he said.
Facing those who ride their bicycles to campus is the issue of bicycle theft.
While bicycle theft has deterred students from locking their bicycles on campus, a recently established University Police program that registers bicycles has made students feel better.
Even though there are various alternates besides driving to campus, students still do. Brittney Wilson, an environmental science and policy major, drives as well as uses the alternate ways.
"I prefer to drive to school just because I'm lazy… except when my car is on empty and I run out of gas money," she said. "That's when I bust out the bicycle… it's faster to get to school that way or when I feel I haven't exercised in awhile I jump on the bike."
By Amanda Stone
No comments:
Post a Comment