UTSA’s Parking Paradox
Here what UTSA wont tell you about the parking situation, and its a growing elephant on campus for both student and faculty; UTSA’s parking situation is getting worse, not better. Over the years, surface lots have slowly vanished to make room for new buildings. More buildings mean more students, staff, and faculty… but not more parking spaces. And while availability shrinks, the price of a parking permit keeps climbing year after year. In 2023, UTSA issued in total 9,552 parking permits while only having 7,040 commuter parking spaces. It's a frustrating cycle of pay more, park less.
Permit Prices
As the number of parking spaces shrinks, the price to access them has steadily increased. Over the past several years, the cost of a commuter parking permits has climbed nearly 5% every year while offering less parking spaces. For students already juggling tuition, textbooks, and housing costs, this extra financial burden feels more like a fine than a fee.
The cost of commuter parking over the years.
The cost for parking has increased for employees also at a similar rate, however, the university has significantly reduced the number of employee B spots to make way for more commuter parking. While keeping the cost of the employee B parking permit the same.
The cost of employee B parking over the years.
Higher Price, Less Supply
A visual reminder that growing enrollment hasn't come with growing infrastructure.
And here’s the paradox in full view; UTSA's student population continues to grow year after year, while the total number of available parking spaces has plateaued, and subsequently declined. The university’s expansion brings exciting new opportunities, but without proportional infrastructure, it leaves commuters in a bind. More people, fewer spaces, rising prices, the math just doesn’t add up.
