ABQ Times

At The University of New Mexico (UNM), 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 the 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 the 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 and expansion 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

PATS is collaborating with UNM Facilities Design & Construction and UNM Campus Capital & Space Planning (CCSP) this year to introduce back-in angled parking on Campus Boulevard to improve safety. 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 systems while refreshing pavement markings and carrying out essential lot repairs.

Additionally, PATS is working with CCSP to develop a strategic parking and transportation plan for the campus in alignment with the Integrated Campus Plan (ICP) to address near-term and long-term needs.

The UNM Office of Sustainability partners with PATS to offer eco-friendly transportation solutions. The shuttle fleet has implemented changes to reduce smog-related 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 five locations with solar panels installed on various buildings such as the Yale parking structure.

Transparent Rate Adjustments

As of July 1st this year rate adjustments ranging from three percent up were made considering diverse needs within our community including tiered rates based on annual earnings making it more affordable for employees in lower salary brackets despite necessary increases compared against other peer institutions in southwest region remain competitive according Director Shawn Arruti view recording Town Hall where he speaks about these changes detailed information available online still flexible options unchanged ensuring affordability priority hourly rates pay stations ParkMobile accessible behind scenes dedicated team making happen core about eighty staff student employees working hard every day keep moving forward enforcement officer wants ensure happy find space ease loves helping customers spot assisting purchase permit rather receiving citation shuttle drivers key part familiar faces many routes offered love job driving interpersonal relationships seeing same people shift rooting successes driver assisted Resident Move-In met incoming residents years see around ask doing surprising remember before anything division keeps motivated provide excellent service team work together smooth operations shift valued members tirelessly behind scenes lots safe shuttles run smoothly support needed believes great starts people embodies spirit collaboratively proactively meet needs proud recognize commitment expertise makes possible connect stay updated Facebook X Instagram advisories construction notices permit purchase dates exciting updates questions call email visit person Business Office located Cornell Representatives available assist Monday through Friday