Collegiate Times

Correction: This story has been modified from its original version. — Steve Mouras is Tech's director of transportation and campus services. The Collegiate Times regrets this error.

"The data that we're getting from this year so far, although only a third complete, is that for the first time in a long time is that there has been a substantial and measureable decline in the number of permits we're selling," Mouras said. "We usually sell somewhere between 11,000 and 12,000 to commuter graduates, and there is a decline this year."

The reason for this could be that more people are biking, scootering and walking.  

"Folks are very conscious about issues with sustainability, a lot more than they were five years ago," Mouras said. "The cost of fuel six months ago was also a problem. There is more of an interest in sustainability options now than there were 13 years ago, that's for sure."

Also, into the future, many lots will be in structures such as garages and on the perimeter of campus. With 95 current lots, with some as few as six spots, Mouras claims that there is always a parking spot available, somewhere on campus.

"When folks say we don't have enough parking, what they're really saying is we don't have enough parking for my individual need at this point in time," Mouras said. "What they're not saying is that I drove around for 40 minutes on campus, and couldn't find an open parking spot."

TCS doesn't only deal with parking, however. The roundabout located on West Campus drive was the first roundabout constructed on a college campus and in southwest Virginia."It's more than just being the first, it's highly effective," Mouras said. "It created an opportunity for people who had never used one. It's much safer for pedestrians, cars and bicyclists as well."

Other future projects include parking spaces in the Chicken Hill parking lot, just past Lane Stadium. When the garage is built, there must be an alternative site where these cars may be moved.  Contrary to popular belief, that lot won't solely be for football patrons.  

Part of the school's master plan also includes putting buildings on existing surface areas. The freshman parking lot, known as The Cage, will soon see structures on top of it. The land west of the cage that is currently a corn field may turn into a new surface lot.

 "Those two locations are some of the last two surface areas that are buildable as far as buildings go," Mouras said. "The university's master plan envisions six garages being built over the next 20 years."

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