Written by Martina Farrugia and Luke Muscat
Parking at Campus Hub has increased and students are not happy about these changes, with everyone pointing out the very obvious parking problem that University students have to face every day.
Ever since Campus Hub was announced, students eagerly awaited the opening of this new building. With big names, such as Burger King, Starbucks, and so many others set to open their doors within the hub, it was surely a promising proposal.
Campus Hub has rooms and apartments students can rent out, as well as facilities for students living on campus. These facilities range from a pool, to a gym, comfortable lounges equipped with TVs, and a fully-furnished kitchen.
Local students also benefitted from Campus Hub’s opening as their 24/7 parking served as a space where they could easily find parking instead of having to circle around Ring Round several times hoping to find a vacant space. Parking was free for the first 15 minutes and students only had to pay €2 for 24 hours.
However, that luxury is no more. Campus Hub announced their new prices and the students are not happy with the changes.
SDM’s Statement
SDM took to social media to express their disappointment regarding these changes. They have pointed out how many students “do not have the income required to make use of the facilities as it stands” and are urging the stakeholders to reconsider their decision.
It is blatantly obvious that these tariffs were decided in order to take advantage of an already and growing parking issue currently present on campus, and goes against what was initially promised by the project, in order to make parking more affordable and available.
SDM
The Turning Point For Students
The spike in prices for these parking spaces will certainly lead to a huge hit on students. Traffic within the island is already a major issue, particularly during rush hours. Whilst parking is a headache, students could have previously resorted to parking at Campus Hub, given the very scarce parking spaces within the vicinities of University.
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This may no longer be a feasible option due to the new price structure, especially for students who have long hours at university. In fact, the amended system seems to encourage very short stays which can rack up loads of revenue if one accounts for the large volume of cars.
A vital factor, such as income earned from part-time jobs, will allow for some breathing space. Albeit if one uses the Campus Hub parking space frequently it will accumulate to significant expenses, which is challenging to sustain for the upcoming months.
You have to consider we are dealing with students who live on stipend and some income earned from part-time.
KSU’s Statement
KSU stated that they are “disappointed to see that students’ troubles to commute & subsequently park at UM are being capitalised & abused of.”
Furthermore, KSU is already working alongside the Ministry for Transport “to explore university catered routes of direct transportation to University“.
KSU Initiatives For Easier Commutes
- Students can make use of KSU’s carpooling feature by applying through the website of the KSU app
- KSU also funded GreenFund, which is aims at “subsidising cleaner, alternative modes of transport that students are eligible to apply for“
Pulse’s Statement
While Pulse recognises Campus Hub as being a separate and independent from the University, the organisation believes that Campus Hub should
Consider the financial burden it will add on students
Increasing parking prices should be the last thing to do for students who are still in their studies.
Pulse concluded their statement by saying “parking is not a luxury but is a necessity“.
The Verdict
It is evidently clear that students and organisations are not happy with these price increases. Students have pointed out time and time again how difficult it is to find parking at University and to increase parking prices near the University is certainly not the answer to solving this issue.