Parking Becomes Even More Limited On Oregon Street

Monday. some UTEP students received a costly reminder that parking is no longer allowed on Oregon Street between Schuster and Glory Road, near campus.

It’s all part of a bigger plan to make it easier for the city’s bus traffic.

“All these signs were just put up last week and I didn’t realize it was going to take effect today, said Maribel Quezada who parked in her usual spot on Oregon street off Cincinnati.

But she was quickly reminded of some changes.

“I’m going to turn around and park somewhere else,” she said.

Quezada noticed the $55 traffic tickets on some of the cars nearby.

“I don’t want a ticket, I can’t afford to get tickets right now,” she said.

Despite the visible signage, Veronica Fernandez also said she didn’t realize the new rules.

“I parked here last week, so no I didn’t,” Fernandez said.

The changes are expected to help improve Sun Metro’s “Smart Route 101” service along Oregon Street by clearing the way and reducing travel time from downtown to UTEP.

The first phase does away with parking along Oregon street between Schuster and Glory Road.

“For those of us who don’t rely on public transportation it’s just going to make it more difficult,” said Quezada.

But not difficult enough for these studens to pay for the university’s parking permit which ranges in cost from $90 to $277 for the parking garage per year.

“I’d rather walk than pay the bill because you still have to walk within campus anyway, said Quezada.

“No, I’d rather pay for another class…and walk,” said Fernandez.

If you live in Miner Village, your parking permits will be honored in the P-12 parking lot.