I am writing this letter in response to the article "Parking policy irks some, but shows promise" (Wed., Sept. 7). I agree that this new policy will help to teach new students responsible driving habits, such as not duplicating a service that we already pay for when we live here. I also think that if this program is successful then it should be extended to all students that live on campus (with the understanding that such restrictions could be problematic for students with bulky objects to carry like artwork or models or for those that live on South and have classes on North, but I think these problems could be overcome.)
However, I would like to use this letter to challenge the university to look at another form of responsible driving practices. Why do we not have a carpooling incentive at this campus? Many higher education campuses, such as University of Maryland, Dartmouth and University of Washington at Seattle, have designated parking lots and a tag system where two or more vehicles and operators are registered to one tag. Since a majority of the people on campus are commuters - students, faculty and staff - doesn't it make sense for a carpooling incentive as the next step of responsible driving practices at UB? It would be an easy way to reduce the number of vehicles on campus.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
