North Texas Daily

By Geary Robinson

Transportation Services has welcomed the growth of the UNT community as those from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond recognize the world-class education they can receive at this tier-one research university. Of course that means we have to be more responsive to growth as it relates to parking and transportation – and we want to assure you that this is our top priority.

Responding to this growth will require change and a new plan. Some of this will take time to implement.

Unfortunately, while we are working to bring you improvements, there has been misinformation regarding parking put forth as fact through social media. We would like to thank the North Texas Daily for providing the opportunity to respond and correct that misinformation.

• As of Aug. 18, student permits are still available. The range of prices for student parking is $125 (Remote) to $450 (Garage).
• There is no 24/7 towing enforcement. Citations will still be used when necessary. Repeat violators may get a boot on their car. Your car would be towed if you parked on the sidewalk or a fire lane. 
• Anyone with a UNT permit or a visitor permit (which can be purchased online & printed at home) can park in any UNT lot after hours except for three Reserved “A” lots – Lots 1, 2 and 3.
• Traffic Ambassadors will be in the parking lots during our busiest hours for the first few days of classes to help monitor the lots and if the lot is full, to direct students to open lots.
• Students will be able to scan a QR code with their smart phone for up to date parking news. Watch for posters and lawn signs coming soon.

UNT Transportation Services staff are working to develop new parking lots to provide for the needs of the UNT community. We are extending late night shuttle and e-Ride services, establishing carpool services and working to get pay-by-cell parking on campus for those who need more flexible parking payment options. Based on the recommendations of the Transportation Advisory Committee, a group that includes students, faculty and staff, we are working to:

• reduce citations,

• improve communications,

• incorporate IT into the transportation infrastructure,

• and to provide multiple parking options on campus.

Your safety is important to us, which is why all lots are well lit and we are working on security cameras for parking lots and the parking garages. We also are placing trackers on the shuttles. This will help us keep track of route times in order to provide you with faster and more convenient service. Our free concierge service, eRide, is available after hours starting Sunday.

There are a variety of options for parking, depending on whether you’re a commuter or student who lives on campus, a faculty or staff member, or just visiting UNT. Please explore our site to find the parking permit that best fits your needs.

We want to make parking easy and stress-free, so we’re doing more to let you know about parking and transportation needs on campus. We encourage you to connect with us on Twitter or on Facebook. Or, simply call us at 940-565-3020 or email us today at transportation.services@unt.edu.

Geary Robinson is the UNT’s parking and transportation services director.