
Dear Colleagues and Readers,
Welcome to Fundamental Facts & Figures, an annual report on Parking & Transportation Services’ (PTS) programs and services. I hope you find this informative and encourage you to contact us with feedback on how we are doing.
Over the past year, more customers accessed campus, increasing demand for our services. We were excited to see many students use their Universal Transit Pass to make these trips via our regional transit providers’ buses and light rail.
Post-pandemic parking demand has allowed us to significantly increase the number of student parking contracts. In addition, we’ve transitioned from a “lottery” system to a first come, first serve model.
Our new parking equipment has helped to improve the user experience. License plate recognition has meant contract parking customers have a smoother entry and exit from parking facilities.
Event parking has been exciting as we supported the first-ever University-wide Commencement ceremony at Huntington Bank Stadium and hosted a Beyoncé concert.
We continue to make strides in our Alternative Transportation Program. This year, we began working with our campus partners on improvements to Gopher Way wayfinding, and again, ranked as a Platinum Bike Friendly University.
Ramsey County’s Cleveland Avenue reconstruction resulted in new sidewalks to the Bell Museum and multi-use paths to make bike commuting safer.
Our paratransit service expanded to better meet demand during our busiest time slots.
We continue to complete regular repairs and routine maintenance in facilities, including in our newly acquired Prospect Park Ramp.
Finally, with retirements and staffing changes, we welcomed many new staff to the team. Their fresh energy and perspective have helped drive innovation.
We welcome feedback or questions. Feel free to contact us at any time.
Sincerely,
Ross Allanson, CAPP, CPP
Director, Parking & Transportation Services