Increase in Parking Pass Prices Amidst New Bus Hub Coming

Virginia Tech has had a rise in parking woes particularly for students having to do with a whole host of factors. 

 A big issue comes with the rapidly increasing rate for parking passes.  

According to the Collegiate Times, the parking passes were $289 for a year in 2018 and went up to $389 in 2019. Currently, the parking pass goes for $495 which is almost a 50% increase in price over the six years.  

“Parking passes increasing in price so much every year makes me hesitant to continue buying one but, living off campus, it is just easier for me to,” senior Lisbeth Guevara mentioned when talking about some of the challenges she has noticed with Virginia Tech Parking Services. 

This is just one of the issues that have been noticed by students. “A problem that I have noticed with parking at Virginia Tech is that there are consistently not enough parking spots,” said junior Julia Nappi. This highlights the potential issue of parking passes being oversold.  

“I am consistently having to leave for class way earlier than necessary to drive around looking for a spot,” said Julia Nappi. 

Virginia Tech seems to have acknowledged this ongoing issue as there are plans underway to implement a Blacksburg Transit Bus Hub. According to the Virginia Tech Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities, this bus hub has been a part of a 10-year plan that has a goal finish date of Spring 2024.  

This new system will encourage students to rely more heavily on public transportation to and from school, helping to alleviate some transportation issues and traffic throughout campus.  

“With the new bus hub coming, I’d be more inclined and willing to take public transportation to and from school; that would honestly make my life much easier,” said senior Lisbeth Guevara.  

The Blacksburg Transit Bus Hub seems to be a proactive step that Virginia Tech is taking to address the parking issue on campus through providing a more convenient way to get around.  

While this system may be a light at the end of the tunnel for some people, that is not the case for everyone. For some there is a reason behind opting for driving or it could be personal preference. 

“I have personally never been one to choose public transportation over driving. While this new way of Blacksburg Transit will be coming soon, I’m hopeful that people will be inclined to use it and free up space for those of us who would rather just drive,” junior Julia Nappi commented while reflecting on the potential outcomes for the new bus hub. 

While the bus hub may be an effective fix, not everyone is willing to take public transportation over driving themselves. Depending on how this system ends up panning out, this may sway enough students to take the public transit and help alleviate parking issues for those who prefer to drive.  

“Overall, I hope the revamped bus system allows for easier transportation and access for students, particularly those who live off campus,” Lisbeth Guevara reiterated when discussing the potential benefits of the new system.