November 2005 Parking Update

It has been three weeks since traffic and parking changes transformed the way faculty, students, staff, patients and visitors drive and park on campus. This has been a complicated transition, involving literally thousands of cars, and their drivers.

As we expected, there were some bumps in the road. We knew this would be challenging and we appreciate your patience, your courtesy and your good questions and suggestions. You've helped us improve the process and we hope you'll continue to do so. Here's a rundown of where we are with parking and traffic in the form of frequently asked questions. We hope that the following information addresses some of these questions and concerns.

FAQ

Q: Why are there so few unreserved parking spaces on campus? Are there enough unreserved spaces for everyone?

A: The parking transitions that have been implemented protected the total number of unrestricted parking spots available and there are enough spaces to accommodate all those with unreserved parking permits.  The unusual pressure on these parking areas in the first weeks of implementation has been due several factors including: the final balancing of the needs for patient/visitor parking in the South Road (new) Garage versus Valet Parking; a maintenance issue in the First Road (old) Garage; and, an increase in construction personnel required for the several major construction projects currently underway on campus. We have literally changed on the fly to relieve this pressure including: finalizing the patient/visitor needs in the South Road Garage, accelerating maintenance on the First Road Garage, and rapidly moving staff off waiting lists into reserved lots.
     View map of employee parking areas   [PDF]

Q: Why is reserved parking offered on campus?

A: Reserved parking is offered on campus because there is both a desire by some employees and a necessity for others to have guaranteed access and proximity. Prior to any of the recent construction, there was a waiting list of more than 300 employees requesting assignment to a reserved lot. Most of these employees have been enrolled in reserved parking, which has helped free up spaces in unreserved parking areas.

Q: Why was First Road changed to one way?

A: The master plan for this campus established the new traffic pattern to work with the new Hospital and School entrances as well as to enhance pedestrian access and safety within the campus. Although this is taking some getting used to, it makes for a much safer pedestrian environment and establishes a traffic pattern consistent with the location of the South Road Garage, new entrances and future construction.

Q:  Why were patients and visitors moved to the South Road Garage?

A:  As has been intended since the beginning of Campus Modernization, patients and visitors were moved to the South Road Garage to offer them the closest, safest and most convenient access to the new Remillard Family Pavilion (South Hospital Lobby) and the Benedict Building. UMass Memorial Medical Center is creating a highly functional entrance, registration and information area at the south end of the hospital, and that was a major factor in the siting of the new South Road Garage. It is imperative that we support an environment that is convenient and accessible to the many patients and visitors accessing services at this busy academic medical center, as well as to all those who work on or visit the campus.

Q:  I am an employee who keeps getting stuck behind visitors who are having trouble with the South Road Garage's automated system. Is anything being done to make this easier for patients and visitors?

A:  Yes! We fully expected that the automated system in the South Road Garage would initially present a challenge to patients and visitors, as any new technology can. To help with this challenge, we've increased signage and updated registration and information staff. We will be installing additional instructional signage as well as voice prompts at the ticket dispensers to remind visitors of the new payment and exit process. We expect that most visitors will adapt to the new system as they become familiar with it, lessening congestion at the garage exits and entrances.

Q:  It takes forever to find an employee parking space after 10 a.m. Is anything being done about this?

A:  We realize that it is more difficult to find a parking space quickly when arriving on campus after the early morning rush. We're looking for a solution that might help meet the needs of staff and students who do not work a typical 9-to-5 day.

Since the transition, we've been monitoring parking availability throughout the morning and have documented the following patterns, although of course, there can be slight variation: North Lot fills by approximately 7:30; West Lot fills between 7:45 and 8; First Road Garage levels 5 and 6 have spaces until between 8 and 8:15; and South Road Garage levels 4 and 5 are full by about 8:45. Employees who arrive later in the morning are advised to go directly to Pine Tree Lot where they will find spaces or be directed to specific available parking. Please note that after 12:30 p.m., spaces on levels 5 and 6 of the First Road Garage generally become available.
     View map of employee parking areas   [PDF]

Q:  Do patients and visitors with authorized handicapped placards still get free parking in the new garage? How does that work with the automated system?

A: Patients and visitors with valid handicapped parking placards are eligible for free parking on campus (visit http://www.state.ma.us/rmv/medical/index.htmfor more information).  For the most convenient and direct access to the facility, visitors with handicapped parking privileges are encouraged to use the valet parking services at no cost. Patients and visitors who wish to self-park at no cost must bring their handicapped parking placard to the cashier in the South Road Garage's 2nd floor lobby for verification.
 V iew map of patient/visitor parking areas   [PDF]

Q:  What about parking for people in support groups?

A:  The transition to the South Road Garage for visitors made it both possible and necessary for us to review all parking voucher and validation programs in preparation for the new automated parking payment system. The patchwork of programs and vouchers in use begged for a consistent, economical and fair approach, and we're working closely with campus and medical center leadership to reach that goal. All faculty and other employees who facilitate a school- or hospital-sanctioned group that meets regularly on campus are asked to contact the Parking Office as soon as possible to formalize the parking arrangement for their particular group.