Oregon State University Parking Services will unveil new "pay and display" parking permit machines next week.
Before the mechanical innovations hit campus, drivers had to pick up temporary permits from the Parking Services Office in Adams Hall.
Beginning April 5 at 7 a.m., drivers can pay, obtain a permit and park without having to go to the office.
"It's going to be a wonderful option for everyone's use," said Peggie Bursell, Parking Services manager. "It stops you from making two trips. It's convenient."
There are five pay stations on campus: 14th and Washington, Nash Hall parking lot, LaSells Stewart Center visitor-only lot, on the west side of Reser Stadium, and across from the Valley Football Center.
The permit machines operate with only three steps. First, use the up and down arrows to select the desired amount of parking time. Second, pay the fee with cash, credit or debit card. Third, take the permit and put it face up on the dash board.
Of course, the permits are only valid for the paid time period in any student or visitor parking lot. Time periods are determined in one hour increments, with one dollar per hour or five dollars maximum for the entire day. Parking permits are required from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
"They're real easy," Bursell said. "Three steps and you're done."
According to Bursell, the parking pay stations were actually slated for service last fall, but the company could not get them to function properly.
This year, Parking Services hired a new company, The Vault, which has set up the machines in working order.
Another advantage for the driver is the programmability of the machines. Pay stations can be turned off on specific dates, like for special events such as Mom's Weekend, so that visitors may park for free.
Proceeds from the machines will help pay for a new parking structure across from Gill Coliseum, for which construction could begin as soon as August, Bursell said.
"The machines are an improvement to the parking world," Bursell added.
Edward Lew is a staff writer for The Daily Barometer. He can be reached at baro.campus@studentmedia.orst.edu.