While the number of UA students has increased this academic year, the number of parking permits sold has not.

A good alternative transportation program, subsidized bus passes, carpools and convenient paths and racks for bicycles are just a few of many contributing factors to the decline in passes sold, according to David Heineking, the director of Parking and Transportation Services.

“”As things like the cost of driving get more expensive, people look for other ways to get here,”” he said.

There are currently 22,000 total parking permits available including garage, motorcycle, disabled and other permits, according to Heineking. All parking garages have permits available except for Second Street Parking Garage and Main Gate Parking Garage. The South of Sixth Street parking lots are a zoned area with 300 available permits, and there are six off-campus lots and seven “”lot specific”” areas with available permits.

Garage permits are the most expensive, costing $568 for an annual permit. Lot-specific and street permits are $468, and Zone 1 and South of Sixth Street are $353.

However, some students cannot justify spending hundreds on parking permits.

Justin James, a pre-business sophomore, owns a car but chooses to bike to school.

“”I save money because I don’t have to drive to school everyday,”” he said.

He explained that bike riding is efficient because there are many places students can live that are close to campus.

Alyssa Busse, a history freshman, said she walks everywhere.

“”Who can afford cars?”” Busse asked. “”There’s gas, traffic and nowhere to park around here. If you find a spot you could get a ticket and not even realize that you couldn’t park there.””

Although Busse does not currently own a vehicle, she said she would not buy a parking permit even if she did.

“”I can’t do that (buy a permit). I have student loans, clubs and toiletries to pay for.””

The most expensive parking permit costs about $11 per week or $2 a day, Heineking said. For people who have class multiple times per day, it might make financial sense for them to purchase a permit so they do not have to continuously pay for parking throughout the day.