Parking in Athens, Ohio

Three articles that dive deeper into the issue of parking in Athens, Ohio

Parking in Athens, Ohio

Student perceptions and city profits

47%

Said they fequently or occasionally use Athens parking.

How often do you use metered parking in Athens (street, parking lot, garage)?

73%

Said they are either extremely dissatisfied or somewhat dissatisfied with Athens parking options.

How satisfied are you with the current parking options available to students?

86%

Said they somewhat agree or strongly agree with this statement.

Athens lacks free parking options.

Parking Enforcement Revenues

Why is this issue important?

The lack of free parking in a college town poses significant challenges for students and the local community. Many students, often on tight budgets, find it difficult to afford parking fees, which can impact their access to campus and participation in activities. Furthermore, if a student decides to park in the spot without paying or has their meter expire, they risk a ticket that cost anywhere from 15 to 35 dollars. Students on and off campus are not the only ones impacted by parking fees. Commuters may face trouble securing one of the limited spots near campus. These commuters are also forced to pay the meter fees which add up depending on how many classes they have and how many days a week they commute. Additionally, local businesses may experience reduced foot traffic as potential customers avoid the area due to limited parking or parking fees. Ultimately, addressing parking issues is essential for creating a more accessible city.