OSU traffic, parking issues are focus on changing campus

COLUMBUS -- Balancing customer needs and available resources, minimizing inconveniences caused by construction, and addressing new parking demands when major construction projects are completed are key issues being examined as The Ohio State University enters the final year of the Transportation and Parking Five-Year Plan launched in June 1998.

Addressing the university’s Board of Trustees today (9/6), Sarah Blouch, director of Transportation and Parking Services, outlined a three-phased approach that will be implemented over the next four years to address access, mobility and parking in a changing campus environment.

To minimize inconveniences during an unprecedented period of construction beginning in FY 2002-03, Transportation and Parking is taking the lead in a collaborative effort to communicate construction impact on traffic, transportation and parking. The Campus Area Bus Service is a quick fix to solve parking and access issues, Blouch said, and is totally funded from parking revenue.

“The expanded routes on and around campus are popular with students, staff and faculty. University customers depend on the six-minute bus service to and from remote parking locations to meet academic and work schedules,” Blouch said.

However, meeting customer needs is becoming costly. As Transportation and Parking continues to balance customer needs and available resources, various options — including possible service reductions — will be presented this autumn for campus-wide discussion and consideration.

During FY 2003-04, recommended service changes will be implemented and remote parking will continue to be used to offset parking losses to construction.

A shift in parking and increase in demand will occur in FY 2004-05 as new buildings and parking garages open, Blouch said. The opening of the Hospitals garage and Neil Avenue garage will create 1,625 central campus-parking spaces. As displaced customers move back to central campus, the opportunity to consolidate park and ride locations will be possible.

Finally, Blouch told trustees Transportation and Parking will reassess the campus environment in FY 2005-06 and develop a new five-year plan to address access, parking supply and demand.

Blouch asked trustees in June to approve a 10 percent rate increase on all parking permits as previously recommended in the plan for FY 2002-03. The additional revenue — along with revenue from existing resources — has resulted in increased campus bus ridership; plans for two new parking garages; improved bus, garage and lot maintenance; and a continued emphasis on safety.