Academic research and anecdotal evidence both demonstrate a strong need for practical solutions to parking problems on college campuses. A 2022 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee illustrated strong and direct links between parking policies and intense anger among campus users. Meanwhile, 60% of respondents to a 2022 survey of 2,000 college students said their campus lacks adequate parking facilities.
Building new parking facilities to improve access and respond to meet excess demand is rarely feasible, both because of the costs and the space requirements. Instead, the most effective solutions to parking problems on college campuses are built around reducing parking demand.
Here are some strategies campus administrators can use in pursuit of that goal:
- Make parking passes flexible. Parking passes that cover an entire semester or academic year essentially lock in high demand across that period. As an alternative, offer shorter passes — daily works best. Make those shorter passes eligible for access, reservations, or parking cash-out programs.
- Offer options beyond parking passes. When a campus user wants a parking pass, have them choose it from a menu that also offers modal alternatives and incentives for using them. This can prompt greater usage of sustainable modes.
- Incentivize alternatives to driving. Offer rewards or prizes to campus users who use alternative modes to get to campus. Budget-conscious students tend to respond particularly well to rewards with tangible financial value. Also, visibly designate preferred parking spots exclusively for carpool or vanpool vehicles.
- Invest in strong, visible support for alternative modes. Use local shuttles to help campus commuters solve the “first mile, last mile” dilemma. Build appealing, well-placed, and secure bike parking areas. Enhance and beautify pedestrian infrastructure.
The CommuteHub platform enables these strategies and many others with smart parking management and commuter personalization tools. CommuteHub makes it easy to design, deliver, and manage bespoke commuter programs that provide effective solutions to parking problems on college campuses.
Transportation and Parking Services at Princeton University agrees. The storied Ivy League school recently adopted the CommuteHub platform to power its award-winning transportation management programs.
See for yourself how CommuteHub powers solutions for parking problems on college campuses: arrange your free demo today.