A proposed parking rate increase for WSU Transportation Services could take effect on July 1 of this year pending approval by senior staff and WSU President Kirk Schulz.

If implemented, the change would result in fees ranging between 20 cents and $2.49 more a month for annual passes, and between 4 and 32 cents more for daily passes.

The change was recommended by a 15-person transportation task force to pay for repairs and maintenance of four parking garages on campus, elevators within the garages and other transportation expenses, including maintenance for the parking lots, said John Shaheen, director of WSU Transportation Services.

The proposed rate change accounts for the inflating cost of repair and maintenance, Shaheen said. Transportation Services is completely self-supported on

parking fees and tickets, he said, and the cost of maintaining facilities continues to go up each year.

Over the next five years, there is a total of $2.6 million in expenses planned for the maintenance, repairs and replacements of current parking facilities, and $1.2 million planned for improvements including improved garage access and repairs for bike and pedestrian pathways.

“The most expensive part is maintaining our garages, and not just structural components but [also] our elevators,” Shaheen said. “We also have a lot of parking lot access that needs to be maintained.”

Should the fee increase be approved, it is expected to generate slightly more than $100,000 in revenue annually, he said.

The decision on the proposed rate change is expected to come sometime between now and April, Shaheen said.

Transportation services is completely self-reliant for funding, Shaheen said, with no support from grants, student fees, state or federal funding.

“Every year we review with the task force our financial situation and the work that needs to be done to our facilities,” he said. “What drives parking rates is really the maintenance repairs and upkeep of our facilities.”

Those interested in alternative modes of transit are encouraged to join the Coug Commute Advisor Program, Shaheen said, which can help commuters find free or low-cost transportation options even if they live out of town.

“We will come up with a personal commute program for anyone who would like an option besides driving alone,” he said. “There may be some options that [commuters] haven’t considered.”

There is no set time period for public comment, but those who wish to can email [email protected].

The headline of this story has been updated to correctly identify WSU Transportation Services, not Pullman Transportation Services.