EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The University of Texas at El Paso is beginning the fall semester with its highest enrollment in university history, bringing more students and more demand for parking to campus.<\/p>\n
Students told KFOX14\/CBS4 they have struggled to find open spaces, with some saying they have spent 30 to 40 minutes looking for parking and risk arriving late to class.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s too many students and too many people taking up spots they didn’t pay for,\u201d one student said.<\/p>\n
Another student said finding a space can take about 20 minutes, adding, \u201cI do have to leave super early to find parking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some students said they have paid hundreds of dollars for parking permits but do not feel they are getting their money\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n
David Estrada said his parking pass cost $225.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t see that it’s worth it,\u201d Estrada said.<\/p>\n
Destiny Venecia reports on UTEP enrollment hits record high as students report 30-40 minute searches for parking (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
When lots are full, some students said they feel stuck choosing between being late to class or risking a citation by parking somewhere else.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do contemplate just parking somewhere else and getting that citation and paying it off,\u201d student Ezekiel Cisneros said.<\/p>\n
Student Ariadna Balles said the time spent searching can make that decision feel unavoidable.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes you can’t take 30 minutes just to find parking,\u201d Balles said. \u201cYou just have to risk it and it is what it is. At the end of the day, even if you get a citation, it’s way cheaper.”<\/p>\n
Brendan Gallagher, UTEP\u2019s vice president for business affairs, said record enrollment is contributing to the challenge, along with the busy start of the semester, ongoing construction and preparations for Karol G\u2019s concerts at the Sun Bowl on Sept. 5 and 6.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have the highest enrollment ever, which is fantastic,\u201d Gallagher said. \u201cThat does have the additional effect of increasing the volume, the amount of traffic to include the number of vehicles that come here to campus.\u201d<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: UTEP introduces new parking permit rollout ahead of fall semester<\/a><\/p>\n Gallagher said construction of the Miner Crossing student housing complex has temporarily taken some parking spaces out of use.<\/p>\n The project is expected to include 507 beds, a dining hall and a fitness center.<\/p>\n He also said about 100 vehicles connected to the Karol G production, including tour buses, trucks and trailers, are expected on campus as crews prepare for the two concerts.<\/p>\n Gallagher said UTEP does not have enough spaces to accommodate every student, staff member and faculty member.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we were to provide parking to all 27,000-plus students, plus the associated staff and faculty, we would need about 30,000 spaces overall,\u201d Gallagher said. \u201cAs we know, we don\u2019t have anywhere close to that.\u201d<\/p>\n UTEP has expanded Miner Shuttle hours to help people traveling from more remote parking areas.<\/p>\n Gallagher said the university is also exploring possible parking opportunities with nearby partners.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have additionally started to expand our Miner Shuttle, the hours of it, to meet that demand as best we can if people have to park in more remote areas,\u201d Gallagher said.<\/p>\n Balles said better shuttle service could help students who cannot find nearby parking.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to leave an hour before class, just because it takes a really long time,\u201d Balles said. \u201cEven for that, that’s supposed to accommodate and make it easier to get to class.\u201d<\/p>\n The university is contacting permit holders directly when their assigned lots are partially or fully closed, providing alternative parking options when available.<\/p>\n UTEP recently changed its parking-permit issuance system after many students tried to secure permits on the same day last year.<\/p>\n This semester, permit access was staggered based on student classifications and other categories.<\/p>\n Gallagher encouraged students to arrive early, carpool when possible, use public transportation or park in remote areas and take the free shuttle.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re doing all we can to be as accessible as we can,\u201d Gallagher said. \u201cWe do appreciate the patience and support of our community.\u201d<\/p>\n UTEP expects the acute parking pressure to ease as the semester progresses. <\/p>\n Students are urged to watch for parking updates, posted signs, and temporary lot changes.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Guide: Everything you need to know\/fan guide for Karol G concert at Sun Bowl<\/a><\/p>\n