Changes in on-campus parking policy throughout this semester have alleviated past headaches and reduced student dissatisfaction what has long been a contentious issue. The addition of the Dowling Hall garage, with 500 new parking spaces, freed up once-restricted lots and increased the total spaces available for students who keep cars on campus.
Recently, the situation got even better with the removal of sophomore parking restrictions in the Cousens lot. Previously, second-year students were prohibited from parking in the more popular lots on campus, though they were charged the same fees as upperclassmen for parking permits. The Department of Public Safety changed the policy in early November after conducting a parking demand analysis, which monitored numerous campus lots for overnight usage over the course of several weeks. Sophomores who purchased parking permits after Oct. 31, however, are not afforded the privilege of parking in areas other than the Cousens lot because they were not included in the parking study.
Overall, students seem pleased with the remodeled parking policies. While the Dowling Hall facility was not designated as a resident student parking area, it has provided new spaces for faculty to park, allowing the Department of Public Safety to convert parking lots near dorms into resident parking. The changes provide students with the convenience of parking closer to their bedrooms during the frigid, New England winter months.
"I started off parking in Cousens last year and I never used my car because it was such a hassle to walk that far. Since I need my car to get to work at 7 in the morning, the new policy really made life a lot easier," sophomore MaryAnn Kuruvilla said.
The policy changes allow sophomores to occupy faculty spaces during non-peak hours. After 6 p.m. on weekdays and during weekends and holidays, vehicles with a valid Tufts permit will be allowed to park in any non-resident surface lot. However, this does not address weekday parking difficulties, as cars must vacate these lots by 6 a.m. of the following business day.
Earlier this fall, Director of Public Safety John King expressed hope that parking policy would further change to accommodate the Tufts community. "We would ideally like to have all overnight parking, including sophomores, either uphill or downhill, and be able to close the Cousens lot at night. It's simpler and safer from a patrol standpoint," said King. While the Cousens lot currently remains open overnight, students have been given greater freedom in terms of their parking options.
Although the recent policy changes undoubtedly relieved some difficulties, some students feel that there remain problems to be addressed.
"As a commuter student, it's very difficult to find parking," junior Rahul Mandiga said. "We're restricted to Capen St. and Professor's Row, which fill up quickly, and parking in Cohen is inconvenient because it isn't close to the uphill classrooms."
Students also take issue with the high cost of parking. This year, the resident charge was raised by $20 to $340. "The fees are insanely high," said sophomore Laura Weyland, who chose not to have a car on campus this year due to the cost.
The Dowling garage has been an asset for prospective students and their families, as well, who previously had difficulty locating parking spaces behind Bendetson Hall. "People used to have to circle the lot for an hour and would miss the [admissions office's] information session," said Admissions Officer Doug Burns.
Although usage of the Dowling Hall parking garage requires the deposit of a $5 token upon exit, Burns said that there have been few complaints from prospective students and their parents.
The parking situation on campus will face serious challenges in the coming months, when the inevitable inclement weather blocks outdoor parking spaces. In addition, the Dowling garage is expected to fill to capacity when large crowds descend upon the Tufts campus for April Open House. Previously, cars were directed to park on Fletcher Field during throughout the weekend.
