Privatized parking eyed for IU, IUPUI lots - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Pull into an IU or IUPUI metered parking space or a space not covered by your permit, and expect a ticket.

The university writes those tickets now and collects parking permit fees too. But that could change if IU brings on a private parking contractor. It's in the early discussion stage now.

University trustees will look at exchanging its parking system for millions in upfront payments from a contractor.

"These large lump sums would allow us to invest in research and other things we need to do right now," says IU spokesman Mark Land. "State money has been more scarce. We don't want to raise tuition more then absolutely necessary, so we're trying to look under every rock."

"It's smart," says Ben Hauser, a student. "If you're still paying the same amount of money, it really doesn't affect you that much."

But would fees stay the same? Ohio State University just contracted with an international parking company in exchange for nearly a half-billion dollars over 50 years. It has the right to raise fees more than 5 percent a year.

In Indianapolis, city fees jumped right away when Indy leased its parking to a private concern.

"I usually don't like private companies," says IUPUI student Gimy Morales. "They kind of creep me out." He and others told us the university is more accountable. "It's going to be more expensive for students."

Some students and staff says they'd like to see more parking garages built instead.

But others, like faculty member Cheryl Hauth, are withholding judgement. "Maybe better efficiency," she said. "Maybe companies that do this would do it well."