Driving to the necessary destination is pleasant and convenient. People manage their time and get to their destinations on time. However, this pleasant experience is often overshadowed by the chase after a parking lot. Parking has become a burning issue nationwide. Notably, representatives of parking businesses gathered earlier this year to discuss the most topical issues in the sphere (Malone, 2013).
Notably, numerous solutions were suggested. These solutions can be applicable in different areas. One of the areas that require special attention is parking spaces at schools. Students have to face a lot of troubles due to the lack of parking lots. The present research is aimed at developing effective solutions to address the parking issue at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).
In the first place, it is necessary to note that the lack of parking spaces in FIT is really pressing. Being students of FIT, we understand that and are committed to help the school solve the issue. I have been in the school since 2011 and I have spent a lot of time looking for a parking lot. My major is electrical engineering and this will help me contribute to the development of the necessary strategy.
Thus, the number of students enrolled has been increasing steadily (Targeting the top ten, 2012). Many of these students use cars to get to their classes. At the same time, the parking area has not been expanded significantly. Though, it is necessary to note that some parking areas have been increased and new facilities are built with parking lots (Targeting the top ten, 2012). Nonetheless, these measures do not suffice. Malone (2013) stresses that t is a frustrating experience to look for a free parking lot. When it comes to students and campus area, this experience is also associated with more serious issues.
As has been mentioned above, students of FIT have to spend a lot of their time looking for a parking space. Even though student try to manage their time properly, it is difficult to calculate the time necessary for getting a parking lot. This leads to increased rates of tardiness and can have detrimental effects on the students’ academic performance. Besides, the lack of parking lots is hazardous for safety as heavy traffic is often associated with accidents.
Importantly, construction of a trolley line within the campus area is a good incentive and it can help significantly as students will be able to access distant facilities without using their cars (Targeting the top ten, 2012). At present, students need cars to access different facilities during a day. Nonetheless, the construction of the line will not address another aspect of the problem, i.e. off-campus students will still need their cars to get to the school.
The purpose of the present research is to consider the issue and come up with effective solutions to address the lack of parking spaces at FIT. The target audience of the present research is rather wide as students as well as faculty and administrators can be regarded as stakeholders. All these groups will be interested in the results provided as it can help the school achieve its strategic plan. To achieve the major goal of this research, it is possible to consider solutions exploited at other schools. University of Central Florida and University of South Florida have developed quite efficient policies to address the issues associated with parking. It is possible to analyze these solutions to ensure their efficiency when exploited at FIT.
Observations from the two schools mentioned above enabled the group come up with a number of efficient solutions. The present research will include a detailed description of the use of parking companies at UCF. The paper will include an analysis of the use of the company ZimRide at UCF. The research will also contain an in-depth analysis of possible use of parking companies (e.g. ZimRide) at FIT. The paper will include advantages as well as possible downsides of the cooperation with such businesses.
The research will also contain analysis of another option, i.e. launching shuttles. Students living off-campus will definitely benefit from this incentive as they will be able to access the necessary facilities without spending time on the search of a parking lot. Notably, this is a usual practice at USF and student benefit from it (Parking general guidelines, 2013). The present research will include an analysis of possible use of shuttles at FIT.
Finally, the present paper will also contain suggestions on constructing parking areas at FIT. Being students of this school, we understand students’ needs and know areas where parking spaces are especially needed. Besides, the school has a considerable amount of grass area which can be used more efficiently. Importantly, the present research will take into account environmental issues and the school’s plan to have green open spaces for recreation. After the analysis of the solutions mentioned above, we will provide a brief strategic plan to implement the solutions in the most effective way.
Reference List
Malone, K. (2013). Parking industry tries to make your life easier. Web.
Parking general guidelines, registration, penalties, & rates. (2013). Web.
Targeting the top ten. (2012). Web.