Certain Lot 59 decal holders might have to trek a little farther to get to class next fall, when the lot will be divided into three separate parking areas.
Each lot will have its own decal designation. West of Rural Road, areas south of Rio Salado Parkway will be called Lot 59 Proper, and lots north of Rio Salado Parkway will be 59 North. The parking area east of Rural Road at Sixth Street will be 59 East.
Parking and Transit Service spokesman Mark Krug said separating the lot was a matter of necessity.
"Lot 59 North and Lot 59 East were not being utilized," he said. "We sell so many Lot 59 decals, and everyone was trying to park in Lot 59 [Proper]."
PTS had considered splitting the lot for some time, Krug said.
"Throughout the years we have heard several complaints about Lot 59 being oversold," he said. "For the demand that's out there we had to try to make it a better system."
Krug said the separation of the lots would also save decal holders from driving through the three lots looking for an empty space.
Instead, Krug said, they will go directly to their assigned lot.
Nicole Larsen, a speech and hearing science junior who parks in Lot 59, said there would always be trouble with the lot being too crowded.
"Either way it's going to be filled," she said. "If you're not here by 10 [a.m.] you have to park in the back. I think it's always going to be the same."
In response to parking complaints like Larsen's and spaces being lost to new construction, PTS has been examining parking concerns through a task force this semester, Krug said.
A survey from the parking task force found 49 percent of students and 64 percent of employees are interested in parking being convenient and close to campus.
More than 20 percent of employees surveyed reported an interest in price, and 14 percent said they wanted more spaces.
About 28 percent of students are interested in more parking spaces, while 23 percent want inexpensive parking.
Rates for the new Lot 59 decals have not yet been set, and it has not been decided whether the rates will be the same, Krug said. This year's price for all of Lot 59 is $75.
Lot 59 Proper will probably be the most sought after, Krug added.
Raising the price for decals in other lots and structures this year has also upset some students.
Decals for structures and most surface lots were raised to $240 from $225 during the 2004-05 school year.
Krug said the increase was needed to cover the cost of maintaining structures and lots.
"All the revenue generated [from decal sales] goes back into the operation of lighting, painting and the [University Services Building] shuttle program," he said.
Secondary education senior Holly Ruebsamen parks in Structure 5 and said she's upset every year when the price for a decal is raised.
"If they're actually using it for maintenance that's one thing, but I have yet to see anything," she said. "But you basically have to park on campus."
Reach the reporter at kristi.eaton@asu.edu.
