Driving Change: How UNM’s Parking & Transportation Services Improves Campus Life

At The University of New Mexico, the campus thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to improving everyday life for students, faculty and staff. As part of that mission, the Parking and Transportation Services (PATS) team plays a vital role in keeping our community connected and moving smoothly.

Managing parking and transportation for a dynamic state campus like UNM-home to over 44,000 students, staff, and faculty-is no small task. PATS supports The University's academic, research, and community goals daily by providing convenient access, safe mobility options, and sustainable practices.

Serving a Diverse Campus Community
Whether you're a student hurrying to your next class, or a visitor discovering our lively campus, the department's goal is to ensure that you can easily and confidently reach your destination. During the first week back to school, from Aug. 19 to 23, the PATS shuttle fleet saw 44,077 total riders, averaging 8,815 daily riders. From expanding alternative transportation options to maintaining nearly 16,000 parking spaces, the department's efforts are designed to support a campus environment that works for everyone.

As a self-funded auxiliary department, PATS reinvests revenue made back into UNM's services, parking lots, roads, vehicles, and facilities. This approach allows for continual improvement, expansion, and adoption of offerings requested by the campus community. The department's work is more than managing parking spaces-it is about creating a transportation ecosystem that aligns with UNM's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Recent & Future Improvements: Enhancing Safety, Access, and Sustainability
PATS, UNM Facilities Design & Construction, and UNM Campus Capital & Space Planning (CCSP) are collaborating this year to introduce back-in angled parking on Campus Boulevard to improve safety, aligning with the recently approved Integrated Campus Plan (ICP). This change enhances visibility when exiting parking spaces and improves pedestrian and bicycle safety by providing clearer sightlines. The maintenance team has also been upgrading lighting, refreshing pavement markings, and carrying out essential lot repairs to ensure parking areas are safe and well-maintained. Additionally, PATS is working with CCSP to develop a strategic parking and transportation plan for the campus, in alignment with the ICP, to address the near-term and long-term campus needs.

The UNM Office of Sustainability partners with PATS to offer eco-friendly transportation solutions and bicycle-friendly programs. The shuttle fleet, which transports over 1.1 million passengers annually, has implemented changes to reduce smog-related and greenhouse gas emissions by switching to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and clean diesel. UNM's Albuquerque campus network of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations has expanded to 5 locations and solar panels are also installed on various buildings, such as the Yale parking structure, to support the use of renewable energy.

Transparent Rate Adjustments
As of July 1, 2024, rate adjustments ranging from 3 to 7 percent were made carefully considering the needs and circumstances of our diverse campus community. For example, rates for faculty and staff are tiered based on annual earnings, making parking more affordable for employees in lower salary brackets. Despite necessary increases, UNM's parking rates remain competitive compared to other peer institutions in the southwest region. For more detailed information, view the recording of the Town Hall, where PATS Director Shawn Arruti speaks about this year's changes.

PATS understands that affordability is a priority, and that's why hourly rates at pay stations and through ParkMobile have remained unchanged, ensuring that flexible parking options remain accessible.

Behind the Scenes: The Dedicated Team Making It Happen
At the core of PATS is a dedicated team of about 80 staff and student employees, working hard every day to keep us all moving forward. "As a parking enforcement officer, I want to ensure that our community is happy and can find a parking space with ease," said a PATS employee. "I love helping customers find a parking spot and assisting to purchase a permit rather than receiving a parking citation."

Shuttle drivers play a key part of keeping campus moving, often becoming familiar faces on the many routes offered by PATS.

"I love my job and driving for PATS. The interpersonal relationships with the UNM community and seeing the same people during my shift. I am rooting for their successes!" said a driver. "My first year at PATS, I assisted with Resident Move-In and met the incoming residents. Over the years, I see them around campus, and I ask them about what they are doing now. It is surprising that most of them remember me before I say anything." The transportation division keeps each other motivated each day to provide excellent service, "As a team, we work together to ensure smooth operations during our shift."

These individuals are valued members of the campus community who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our parking lots are safe, our shuttles run smoothly, and our community has the support it needs.

UNM believes that great service starts with great people. PATS embodies that spirit of service, working collaboratively and proactively to meet the needs of our campus community and is proud to recognize the commitment and expertise of the team that makes all this possible.

Connect with us
Stay updated with UNM PATS on Facebook, X (@UNMPATS), or Instagram (@unm_pats) for advisories, construction notices, permit purchase dates, and more exciting updates. For questions, please call us at 505-277-1938, send an email to [email protected], or visit us in person at the PATS Business Office (located in the Cornell Parking Structure). PATS Parking Service Representatives are available to assist Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.