Parking issue not black and white

In his letter to the editor, Mr. Fred Windsor of the Sierra club takes the campus parking situation and completely disconnects from reality to pursue his own social and environmental agenda.

I would like to know what research Mr. Windsor is referring to that proves that creating more parking spaces leads to an increase in vehicle use.

Is he suggesting that a student would suddenly feel the urge to buy a vehicle when they become aware that a parking spot is available to them? Conversely, is he suggesting that a student who desires a vehicle, or who is in the position to acquire one would turn down the opportunity due to worries about parking?

Clearly Mr. Windsor lives in a universe with university students who think a lot more practically than I do.

Mr. Windsor also fails to acknowledge the impracticality and financial problems of utilizing public transit for students who already own vehicles.

The parking problem exists even if we only keep the current amount of parking, and nobody is going to pay for a bus pass when they already have vehicle expenses.

This applies especially to students who work off campus, student parents, and those who live outside of the area who rely on their vehicles for more than just transportation to class.

I agree with Mr. Windsor in the suggestion that our public transit system needs improvement. However with the city's record of failure and the millions being poured down the drain each year just to keep Metrobus on the roads, what we clearly need is a complete overhaul, not a bigger investment and waste of taxpayer dollars.

Europe, Asia and Australia are known for the most advanced and efficient public transit systems in the world, the majority of which are operated by the private sector. The city needs to open up tender and allow private industry to move in, improve service and stop wasting money.

When the temporary parking lot closes for construction on the new residence, 18,000 students will be left with less than 200 parking spaces.

University administration needs to start actually considering all the people paying to attend this institution, and MUNSU needs to realise that its job is to represent the students, and not to simply jump on every 'green' bandwagon that rolls its way.

As reflected in last editions 'Mouth Off' students are clearly demanding parking. I wonder if Mr. Windsor has tried arguing his case to someone trying to find an empty space on campus at 9 am?

Ryan Woodford

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