Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Enrollment spike at WT leads to parking problems

A line of cars form around the parking lot as students search for available spots in the crowded parking lots.
A line of cars form around the parking lot as students search for available spots in the crowded parking lots.

Many embrace the first day of school head on. Seniors know their way around campus and fall into the swing of things almost immediately, while many freshman students are still giddy about the new start at the university level.

This academic year enrollment at West Texas A&M University has been higher than ever with approximately 2,400 students registered to live on campus. Because of this spike in students on campus, the issue of parking and pedestrian safety has been brought to administrative concern.

With the new transportation fee in place, students purchase a parking permit online without paying a fee on the spot. Instead, the fee for the permit is tied in with the transportation fee and students are able to print out a temporary pass while waiting for the permanent sticker to be mailed to them.

Along with having to adjust to the new parking permits, vehicle traffic allowance to 26th street has been closed causing various outrage via social media about parking conditions on campus.

It can be difficult for students to find sympathy in making the campus more pedestrian friendly when increased enrollment numbers have made the parking situation increasingly difficult.

If students see the value in safety while though it interferes with convenience, they can take advantage of other positive aspects of the transportation fee like the shuttle bus. There is an addition to the WT mobile app allowing students to track shuttle bus progress on campus and can time their departures accordingly while taking advantage of parking spaces located at the First United Bank Center.

Parking does not, however, define the college experience or the capability to learn. It instead only comes as a small hindrance as a gateway to the learning community.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All The PRAIRIE Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *