Campus construction adds to parking woes for UTEP students

For many UTEP students, the biggest frustration they’ve had this semester has just been getting to and from campus.

Some students said they’ve had to wait close to an hour just to get out of the Sun Bowl parking garage.

“I’ve been here for almost four years and I’ve never had this problem until this semester,” UTEP senior Melissa Trejo said. “I don’t know what’s going on.”

ABC-7 reached out to UTEP to see what’s causing the parking issues. The school provided this statement:

“The parking lots have not been oversold. Adjustments have been made due to the loss of space in the parking lot across Sun Bowl Drive from the Interdisciplinary Research Building construction site, and we are closely monitoring the space usage in the Sun Bowl Parking Garage. “

UTEP senior Ian Roberts said there’s been times he hasn’t been able to find a spot at the Sun Bowl Garage, despite the fact that he has a pass.

“You pay for the parking pass and sometimes you can’t even use it, so it is frustrating,” Roberts said.

According to UTEP’s Parking and Transportation Services website a parking pass for the Sun Bowl Garage costs $324.50.

UTEP officials tell ABC-7 the school is looking to make the lives of students with Sun Bowl parking passes a little bit earlier, and they understand the frustration.

“For now, anyone with a valid Sun Bowl Parking Garage permit is allowed to park in any lot on campus without being cited. We appreciate the patience of our students, faculty, staff and visitors as we resolve these issues.”

The parking woes have also affected faculty.

“One of my museums studies professors tells me not to worry about it because she knows how crazy it is. She’s had to park across from the actual garage just to get to classes she can teach,” UTEP senior Bernadette Ramos said.

If you have questions or concerns you can call UTEP’s Parking and Transportation Services at (915)-747-5166.