Mohawk College students are facing higher costs for on-campus parking as rates have increased this fall semester.
The price of a semester-long parking pass has risen to $350, compared to $300 last year.
Additionally, the cost of parking violations have also increased from $20 per infraction to $35.
While this hike affects students who commute from areas where the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) does not run, first-year student Eric Madziak has resorted to renting a parking spot on West 2nd Street.
“I got really lucky being able to rent a spot so close to school,” Madziak said. “I would rather walk the extra five minutes to save myself hundreds of dollars.”
Madziak’s decision reflects a growing trend among students seeking off-campus parking alternatives.
Some students have been seen parking in the Walmart parking lot on Upper James Street, which is roughly a 12-minute walk to campus.
Comparing the parking rates to McMaster University, their parking fees are structured differently but are cheaper than Mohawk College’s.
McMaster students are restricted to parking in Lot M, which is roughly a 15-minute walk from the main campus.
Access to Lot M costs $55 per month, with an additional one-time $55 transponder activation fee.
McMaster also offers a shuttle service, which runs every 5 to 15 minutes and is dependent on the time of day, passenger demand, and campus activity.
In short, McMaster students could be facing fees of up to $660 per academic year.
While McMaster University’s rate is still cheaper than Mohawk College, fourth-year McMaster University student Andy Lam has resorted to leaving his car at home.
“Financially, it just makes more sense,” Lam said. “$55 a month to be able to park at school is groceries for the week, and I’d rather be able to eat.”
In response to the concerns, Parking Manager Edward Towle explains why the fee increase is necessary.
“Mohawk College uses parking revenues to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of campus parking lots and related equipment,” Towle said. “Parking revenues are also invested in general campus improvements, including classroom and equipment upgrades.”
Towle also encourages students to utilize the HSR bus pass offered by Mohawk College in order to help students with their commute.
English