Parking Space Problem at the University of California, Riverside - Essay Example

Parking Space Problem at Of California, Riverside (UCR) Despite the serene learning environment at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), the parking space within UCR has become untenable in the sense that it cannot contain the growing population of vehicles within the university. Not only is the academic staff complaining about the problem, but the student fraternity has also forwarded complaints and suggestions on a number of occasions (Longhurst and Brebbia 423-424). It is obvious that the university has large tracts of unutilized land that can come in handy as far as the expansion of the parking lot is concerned. Besides the size of the parking lot, the cost of permit is also prohibitive to most students who may wish to park their vehicles within the university compound (Wald and Gohari 121-126). This paper, therefore, explores the state of the parking problem at University of California, Riverside (UCR) in addition to providing possible ways of improving the situation. Parking Space problem The University of California, Riverside (UCR) is an ideal institution of higher education because it provides an environment that is conducive for learning. Besides, the university enjoys a great diversity in terms of the academic staff, students, and the degree course offered. However, one aspect that requires improvement at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) is the parking lot. The fascinating natural setting and the iconic buildings at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) cannot impress a student who comes in with a car, especially at midday, because of the parking space problem within the institution. The gravity of the parking space problem within the university varies as the day advances and it peaks during midday when everyone is out trying to accomplish their chores. Perhaps the most annoying thing about this major challenge is that the university administration has been sluggish in addressing the problem. Instead of creating more parking spaces, the administration has been gradually increasing parking fees for students (Longhurst and Brebbia 423-424). Parking permit Owing to the problem with the parking permit for students, several students have lodged complaints about the inefficiencies and exorbitant nature of the system. The Summer Session Gold Commuter Permits are too inefficient for UCR students who have tight schedules. Although students can apply for the parking permit online, it takes up to ten days for the parking permit to be processed, thus inconveniencing most students. In addition, the PICKUP option that the university recommends is jammed because it requires every student to visit the Parking Services Building, which is a considerable distance away (University Of California, Riverside). In essence, the student parking fee permit system cannot serve all the students because of its ability to handle large quantity of data at the same time. Some students will have to wait for a week before they get their permits. Since the students’ core objective within University of California, Riverside (UCR) is to learn, the parking permit is a waste of time to them because commuting by public transport is more convenient (Wald and Gohari 121-126). Parking cost Besides the complex process of acquiring a parking lot permit, students are faced with the problem of high parking fee. Charging a student $99 is just ridiculous, considering that the parking lot belongs to the students, and that a vast majority of the students do not have extra income. The prohibitive costs, coupled with the complex application for parking, have hindered many students from accessing and using the university parking space. This problem affects other programs adversely and the university administration needs to do something towards the improvement of this situation (Longhurst and Brebbia 423-424). Parking space Despite the concerted effort by the University of California, Riverside (UCR) to create an automated parking system and charging system for electric vehicles within the university’s premises, the small parking space continues to be a great challenge for the university. The parking space that is available for the students is too small, especially considering the growing student population and the number of students that are hoping to drive themselves to and from the campus (University Of California, Riverside). The problem of parking space is somehow mild in the morning hours but as noon approaches, it escalates because a vast majority of the students with cars is trying to find available parking spaces within the parking lot. Besides, the few parking spaces are only available until 4:00 p.m. because most students are through with their classes in the evening and are trying to book parking spaces. Sometimes two students may be forced to share a single parking lot (Wald and Gohari 121-126). Possible solutions for the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Since efficient service delivery is one of the core objectives and missions of the University of California, Riverside (UCR), it is vital that the university finds a lasting solution for the parking space problem. Insufficient parking space and/or expensive parking permits are a hindrance to the peaceful learning of students within the university’s main campus. One can recognize and appreciate the attempts by the university to avail parking space and charging stations for electric vehicles to be used by students within the campus. However, the university ought to do more to ensure that all students seeking parking spaces get the necessary services they require in an efficient and affordable manner (Wald and Gohari 121-126). When students spend a lot of time trying to find parking spaces within the university, they do not only lose a lot in terms of coursework, but they also drag the university’s schedule behind. Perhaps this is one of the reasons by the UCR should act with the necessary urgency. Sluggishness is a sure way of producing half-baked graduates. The University of California, Riverside (UCR) loses a lot because students and their lecturers alike spend more time looking for parking spaces instead of focusing on teaching and research, which is the core business of UCR. During the day, students find it difficult to secure a parking space and the whole situation within the university premises is a mess. Such confusion ought not to occur in an institution of higher learning, especially in one like University of California, Riverside (UCR). The University of California, Riverside (UCR) is undoubtedly one of the few universities in California with large tracts of land that still lay idle and such pieces of land can form incredible parking spaces. All that UCR needs to do is to conduct a comprehensive survey of all its land and identity an area for expansion of the parking space. The best remedy for the current parking problem is to utilize the small surface lots that the University of California Riverside reserved for parking during its incipient stages of landscaping. The reserves for special needs in the Academic Core are large enough to accommodate future developments, considering that UCR has embarked on constructing contemporary structures within its compounds. Although the Academic Core was designed to be vehicle-free, the area around it is big enough to allow for the expansion of the parking lot so that students can have ample parking space within the university (Wald and Gohari 121-126). In order to encourage more students to park within the university premises, UCR ought to cut the parking permit fee and process. By reducing the amount of time from one week to three days, the university will provide convenience for many students who would have otherwise opted for public parking spots. Since living outside the campus is cheaper when compared to residing in UCR hostels, students depend on their personal cars to move around the campus from their residential areas (Longhurst and Brebbia 423-424). One of the ways through which the UCR administration an ensure students live a hassle-free life is to optimize its parking permit system so that all students can enjoy the services within the shortest time possible. Perhaps cost is the biggest hindrance to student parking within the campus premises. The University Of California, Riverside should reduce the cost of parking within its premises to provide convenience for students staying outside the campus hostels. This move will also increase efficiency within the university (Wald and Gohari 121-126). Works Cited Longhurst, James W. S, and C A. Brebbia. Urban Transport Xviii: Urban Transport and the Environment in the 21st Century. Southampton: WIT, 2012. Print. University Of California, Riverside. Transportation & Parking Services. 2015. Web. 23 June 2015. Wald, Cynthia, and Omid Gohari. University of California, Riverside: Riverside, California. Pittsburgh, Pa: College Prowler, 2005. Print. Read More