Shared-Zone Parking

Saturday, July 1, 2023

View the zone maps here (PDF).

Shared-Zone Pilot Program: Enhancing Parking Efficiency

This page is dedicated to providing information about the upcoming implementation of Phase 2 of our shared-zone pilot program. This program aims to address several challenges faced by employees and optimize the utilization of our most high-demand parking facilities. We have carefully designed this initiative to improve your parking experience while ensuring additional access to parking spaces for all permit holders.

Problems to Solve

The shared-zone pilot program aims to tackle the following four key problems:

1. Someone parked in my space: We understand the frustration of arriving at your designated parking space only to find it occupied by someone else. By implementing the shared-zone concept, we aim to minimize the issue of unauthorized parking, ensuring that parking spaces are available to those who hold permits so your parking experience doesn't become a 'thing'.

2. Walking through empty parking spaces: Inefficient parking utilization often results in empty spaces while other employees struggle to find parking in the back of the lot. The shared-zone pilot program will help optimize the occupancy rate, reducing the number of unused spaces and ensuring a more efficient allocation of available parking.

3. Insufficient employee parking: Limited employee parking is a common concern. The shared-zone approach allows us to maximize the utilization of parking facilities, creating a better balance between reserved spaces and general employee parking. This will increase the availability of parking for all employees and improve overall access to parking on campus.

4. Ensuring the best use of parking facilities: Effective management of parking resources is crucial to meet the needs of our permit holders. The shared-zone pilot program enables us to dynamically grow or shrink the reserved parking spaces based on demand, resulting in a more optimized use of parking facilities and enhancing the overall parking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How will the shared-zone pilot program affect my parking experience as a reserved-space permit holder?

A: The shared-zone pilot program aims to optimize parking utilization and provide a more efficient parking solution for all permit holders. As a reserved-space permit holder, your parking experience will transition from having a dedicated space to accessing a shared zone within your designated parking lot. While you will no longer have a specific reserved parking spot, the shared-zone program will provide flexibility and improved availability of parking spaces, ensuring fair access for all permit holders.  

Q: Will I still be guaranteed a parking space in the shared-zone program?

A: While the shared-zone program does not guarantee a specific parking space, it ensures that a certain number of spaces will be allocated for shared use within your designated parking lot. The program dynamically manages parking capacity based on demand, optimizing the allocation of available spaces. Through a number of sensors, drones, on-site inspections, and data, Parking & Transportation will understand your unique parking lot dynamic and only sell enough parking permits to reach a 90-95% occupancy rate during peak times. Rest assured that we will closely monitor and adjust the shared-zone capacity to ensure a reasonable and fair distribution of parking spaces are available when you arrive.

Q: What if I arrive at my parking lot and all the shared-zone spaces are occupied?

A: We understand that parking availability can be a concern during peak periods. While we strive to maintain sufficient shared-zone spaces, there may be instances where all spaces are temporarily occupied. In such cases, we have protocols in place to assist you. Similiar to when someone parks in your reserved space currently, you have access to the other employee parking lots. In addition, our parking staff will guide you to the nearest available parking facility or provide alternative parking arrangements to ensure you have access to parking. We are committed to minimizing instances of parking unavailability and ensuring a positive parking experience for all permit holders every day.

Q: Can I still park in my reserved space until the shared-zone program takes effect in August?

A: Yes, your reserved parking space will remain accessible until the shared-zone program takes effect before classes start this August. You can continue to use your reserved space during this transition period. However, please note that you may begin to see minor adjustments to the on-site signage as we prepare for the conversion.

Q: How will the shared-zone permit cost differ from the reserved-space permit?

A: Your parking cost will be reduced from $898 for a reserved-space to $575 for a shared-zone permit, a savings of 36%.  The new rate will become effective with the expiration of your existing reserved-space permit on August 21.  You will receive updated information regarding the permit renewal process from parking@uta.edu.

Transition for Existing Reserved-Space Owners

We understand that the transition from a reserved parking space to the shared-zone pilot program may raise questions about continuity and access to parking. Rest assured, as an existing reserved-space owner, you will have the opportunity to renew your permit and transition into the shared-zone before it becomes available to the general public.

In the coming weeks, you will receive detailed information via email from parking@uta.edu regarding the permit renewal process and the steps to transition into the shared-zone program. This communication will provide comprehensive instructions and guidance on how to secure your permit for the upcoming academic year. Please keep an eye on your email inbox for this important message.

Reserved Spaces for Deans, VPs, and the President's Cabinet

While the majority of reserved parking spaces will be converted into the shared-zone, it's important to note that reserved spaces will still be available for Deans, Vice Presidents, and the President's Cabinet. However, please be aware that the location of these reserved spaces may change due to the implementation of the shared-zone pilot program. Our team will work closely with these individuals to ensure a smooth transition and provide them with updated parking information.

Success of Phase 1 Pilot Program

Phase 1 of the shared-zone pilot program has been successfully implemented in the F10 parking lot for the past two years. The following positive outcomes were observed during this period:

• Increased the number of employees parking in this zone by 150%.
• Returned 28% of the reserved spaces to the general employee parking allocation, providing more parking opportunities for all employees.
• Established an overall rate of up to 1.5 permits per 1 parking space in the shared zone, ensuring efficient space utilization.
• Maintained parking capacity in both the reserved-zone and employee-general sections at all times, ensuring sufficient parking availability.

Shared-Zone Parking: Not a New Concept

The concept of shared-zone parking is not new to our campus. It has been successfully implemented in other areas, such as the Maverick Garage and Student Upgrade sections, for many years. These experiences have provided valuable insights into managing parking demand and have enabled us to determine the appropriate number of permits to sell, ensuring parking availability for all permit holders at all times.

We are confident that the shared-zone pilot program will enhance parking efficiency and address the challenges faced by our employees. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Tony Griffin, our dedicated Phase 2 conversion point of contact at anthony.griffin@uta.edu or 817-272-3908. Alternatively, you can contact our Customer Response Coordinator at parking@uta.edu or 817-272-3907.

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we strive to provide an improved parking experience for all permit holders.