The University’s Parking and Transportation Services announced rate increases Thursday for public and contract parking, starting in July.
Lot and ramp hourly rates will increase by 10 cents, and rates for daily public parking, off-peak ramps and carpool lots will increase 25 cents.
Monthly rates will increase $1.20 for contract lots, $2 for contract ramps and $3.40 for contract garages.
Public parking rates will go into effect July 1, while contract rates are effective Oct. 1.
Cari Hatcher, public relations representative for Parking and Transportation Services, said the additional revenue will help fund new parking facilities that will compensate for the imminent parking crunch.
Building projects including the Gateway Complex and a women’s hockey arena cut into the number of available parking spaces.
“In order to replace spots, we proposed a capital plan,” Hatcher said. “We need to implement a rate increase to cover the costs.”
Last year, daily public and off-peak parking rates increased by 25 cents per hour, and monthly contract rates increased by 2.5 percent. Carpool rates were unaffected by last year’s changes.
Parking officials consulted with local and University organizations such as the Minnesota Student Association, the Teamsters Local 320 and the University Senate Finance and Planning Committee for this year’s changes.
The committees looked at various ways to increase University revenue, and officials said increasing parking rates was a top recommendation.
Erin Fogerty, a senior in journalism, said the rate changes emphasize the inconvenience of parking on campus.
“I don’t think it’s any deal as it is,” Fogerty said. “A lot of people are going to be angry.” Fogerty has a parking contract at the University.

–Michelle Moriarity