Students will have fewer parking options this fall as Parking and Transit Services has limited cross-parking options on sites close to campus.
Students will not be allowed to cross-park -- parking in a location using an ASU decal not coinciding with the desired lot -- in Structure 3, off of University Drive on Myrtle Avenue, or Lot 16, at University Drive and Mill Avenue, until after 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, according to a press release from PTS. Cross-parking had previously been allowed in these locations after 4 p.m.
PTS spokesman Mark Krug said the changes would alleviate congestion near Myrtle Avenue and University Drive.
"When 4:00 p.m. rolls around, a lot of staff and people that work there [near Myrtle and University] are trying to get out and a huge line is already starting to form," Krug said.
In addition to ridding some of the congestion, Krug said PTS hopes these changes will make parking easier for students who live on campus.
Safety concerns were also a factor in changing the cross parking time.
"Myrtle is a very small street and there is only one way to go in and out of Structure 3," he added.
Following the announcement of the cross-parking changes, Krug said PTS has received hundreds of thank-you e-mails.
But not all students are happy with the change.
As education sophomore Gabriela Reza sat in Lot 59 with beads of sweat rolling down her forehead, she explained how cross parking was beneficial for students who could not afford other parking and the tickets that seemed to inevitably be issued.
Reza said parking tickets are a direct result of cross-parking restrictions and a lack of metered parking.
"Students should be worrying about money for school and not for parking tickets," she said.
Foreseeing some negative responses, Krug offered students some alternative options.
"This campus is running 24 hours a day and classes are at all times, so cross parking is still open at 4 p.m. at Lot 3, which is just a little more south [of Myrtle and University]," Krug said.
The Flash services are also available Monday through Thursday until 10 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday. Safety Escort Service runs from 7 p.m. until 3 a.m. all week.
Reach the reporter at jourdan.rassas@asu.edu.
