We opened our TigerMail on Tuesday to find an email with the subject line "Ticket."
Did we get a ticket? Had we forgotten about one from back the day that was now coming back to haunt us? We hadn't, and one wasn't.
We understand Parking Services' desire to get such an important email read by students quickly, but to deceive students, most of whose finances can't easily accomodate more parking tickets, in such a way is unbecoming of Auburn employees.
We should not be lied to like children because Parking Services believe they have important business.
Parking Services sent out the email to notify students of changes coming to parking on campus.
"We are confident that the changes will make an improvement in parking process," we read.
At last! It was a time for rejoicing.
Parking Services had finally solved the parking problem, and with the approval of SGA, no less. This was going to be a foolproof plan.
And then we read the next line: "The cost of permits will be increasing next year."
Nevermind the rejoicing, then.
If there was ever a time when families--even those who can afford to send their children to college--and individuals could shell out some extra cash for a hang tag, it's right now. It wasn't but a few days ago we were brainstorming ways to blow the excess income we all definitely have.
But it's not just a price increase. We like to think our relationship as students with the University-- which we love--is one of mutual respect. If we're being asked to pay $160 or $60, we believe Parking Services should be transparent in their process of arriving at such a bold decision.
The recent revival of an old rule prohibiting students from simply driving on campus without the appropriate hang tag coupled with this price increase has made it clear that the goal of Parking Services is get more vehicles off of campus.
We are pleased to see the revenue from these steep increases will be used to expand and refine the TigerTransit system.
There are three buses that run through the Village during the day--Haley West, Old Row and Park and Ride. Those who live in the dorms--the Hill excluded--normally don't have any issue with parking. We feel two of those buses should be rerouted to better serve students who are now going to skip buying a tag for the fall.
Finally, there's the SGA approval. It's encouraging to see they've taken a break from deciding where to place drop-off locations on campus to deliberate on how many hundreds of dollars they would increase parking for the West Magnolia, coliseum and arena lots.
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