SEASONAL CHANGES TO SOUTH LOT AND SHUTTLE SERVICES

Due to seasonal schedules, the shuttle service for the South Lot will be suspended from May 19 until August 25, 2008. Throughout this time South Lot will be closed and there will be no shuttle service to the Science and Technology Park.

• Alternative parking for South Lot permit holders can be found at Q Lot on University Blvd, South of Indian School and opposite KASA Fox Channel 2.

This period is typically very quiet and as such, normal shuttle functions are neither required nor economically viable. Parking and Transportation services regrets any inconvenience during this period, but believes these measures best serve the interests of our customers in terms of efficiency; conservation and economy.

For further information, please contact Parking and Transportation Services on 277 1938.

GET ON BOARD!

Parking and Transportation Services announces that free ABQ Ride bus stickers for the 08/09 academic year will be available for distribution May 12, 2008.

The sticker, which is placed on the front of a student LOBO card, entitles the user to free travel on any designated ABQ Ride bus route. This progressive initiative is part of a wide-ranging UNM program co-sponsored by UNM, ABQ Ride and the State legislature. It incorporates several ABQ Ride routes that directly serve the campus, including:

Airport/Downtown 50
Broadway/University/Gibson 16-18
Constitution Commuter 12
Central 66
Central 766 Rapid Ride Red
Coors-UNM 790 Rapid Ride Blue
Lomas 11
Taylor Ranch Express 92

UNM Parking and Transportation Services is a key participant in the project. “Sustainability is one of our Department’s, and the University’s, core values,” says Director Clovis Acosta. “We are really proud of the way that the community has worked together to provide this program for students. Free public transportation for students is one way that we all show commitment to student success and environmental sustainability.” The recent Alternative Transportation Fair was highly effective in raising the awareness of sustainability issues and was attended by Mayor Martin Chavez. At a keynote speech soon after, he addressed the matter directly, emphasizing his personal commitment to a city-wide transport infrastructure, based on long-term sustainability. He stated, “I am proud to partner with the UNM community on saving the planet and working toward sustainability.”

Every UNM student is eligible to benefit from this program. In order to prove student status, students need to bring a copy of their Summer 08 or Fall 09 schedule indicating enrollment, and their student LOBO ID card, to any of the following outlets on campus:

SUB
T: 277 2331
E: sub@unm.edu

Bookshop
T: 277 5451
E: bkcstsrv@unm.edu

Housing Officer
T: 277 2606
E: reshalls@unm.edu

UNM PATS
T: 277 1938
E: parktrans@unm.edu

Further details and information can be obtained from UNM Parking and Transportation Services at the details above.

UNM Department of Transportation and Parking
Announces 2008 - 2009 Permit Rates

The University of New Mexico Department of Parking and Transportation Services recently announced 2008-2009 permit rates, incorporating a price increase for services.

“No-one wants to see parking prices rise,” said Parking and Transportation Services Director, Clovis Acosta. “I understand the concerns of members of the UNM community. This increase is necessary to keep up with the rising price of fuel, as well as purchasing other petroleum-based products.”

The rate increases for the 2008-2009 school year are as follows:

“Of course we regret having to introduce any raise in charges,” Clovis Acosta continued. “We have succeeded in buffering much of the real-term costs internally, but because we are fully self-funded, inevitably there is an amount that is passed on to the customer.”

But what does this price increase mean for the average UNM student, staff or faculty member? The additional money raised from the permit increase will help to replace older buses currently used in shuttle runs around the campus, some of which are nearly 14 years old. The new replacements not only give much improved fuel economy—reducing the cost of shuttle runs—but will also produce much less greenhouse gas, due to improved technology.

It is often easy to overlook the broader role of the shuttle service. The advantage of an efficient, dedicated on-campus fleet provides:

Another expensive factor however, are the parking lots themselves which are beginning to deteriorate and need considerable attention. Asphalt is petroleum-based and has recently undergone a 30% price increase.

Clovis Acosta added, “We are constantly working to improve parking on campus. We are designing new, purpose-built parking structures and locating them centrally on campus. The permit revenue helps us meet the debt obligation on these projects. I believe that the new prices reflect a fair and balanced increase and that Parking and Transportation remains highly competitive and continues to deliver an excellent range of services to our customers.”

CONTRUCTION PROJECTS.
PARKING SPACE CLOSURES.

UNM Parking and Transportation Services today announces news of three important construction projects that will impact directly on M- and L-Lot parking.

Under the coordination of the Office of Capital Projects, the construction operations will take place in the following areas:

The M-Lot area surrounding Domenici Hall, The Mind Institute; effective Monday, April 14, 2008.
The L-Lot area; start date not yet finalized, though expected to be soon.
The M-Lot North and Northeast of Domenici Center; effective Monday, June 09, 2008.

As a result of these operations, a significant number of parking spaces will be closed. According to Parking and Transportation Services Operations Manager, Dong Glenn, “With the loss of a significant number of parking spaces, demand in these areas is going to be greater.” Glenn advises permit holders to expect some disruption in their daily routine and recommends scheduling extra time for parking.

Suggested alternative locations for parking are the M-Lot by the observatory, between Yale, Tucker and Camino de Salud, and the M-Lot at the SW corner of Yale and Camino de Salud. For enquiries, see contact details above.

We Win!

UNM PATS has received the prestigious Water Utility Authority Pollution Prevention Award for best management practices in:
>>Educating the Public on Storm Water Issues
>>Maintaining Records or Recycled Materials & Waste Disposal
>>Recycling Used Antifreeze & Used Oil
>>Recycling Used Batteries
>>Recycling Used Tires

Find out more