University of Minnesota Parking and Transportation Services named as parking organization of the year

In its inaugural year, this international award is granted to the organization that best exemplifies excellence in overall parking operations. PTS shares this years honor with the City of Houston.

I can't tell you how pleased I am that PTS was singled out for such global recognition, said Bob Baker, PTS executive director. This is truly an endorsement of the innovation and forward-thinking solutions typified by an outstanding staff within an extremely supportive university setting. This award is an illustration that all departments can work hard to achieve President Robert Bruinink's goal to raise the U of M into the top echelon of universities in the country.

The IPI is a trade organization that was founded in 1962 to represent the marketing, economical and political concerns of its members, made up of parking professionals worldwide. IPI provides leadership, information and education to a diverse membership; from major municipal authorities, airports, hospitals and universities, to industry suppliers and consultants, and commercial operators. IPI members are 1,400 strong, from 400 institutions in 18 countries.

To acknowledge the contributions of individuals to the industry, IPI conducts an annual Professional Recognition Program. The program consists of four categories: Parking Organization of the Year, Parking Professional of the Year, Parking Staff Member of the Year, and the Chairman's Award to recognize a member from each of the Board of Directors and Advisors. Recipients were recently honored at the annual conference held May 20-23 in Tampa, Fla.

The University of Minnesota, through Parking and Transportation Services, offers a wide array of parking options for the Twin Cities campus including hourly, daily, event, carpool, motorcycle and discounted programs. PTS ranks patron comfort very high so campus parking facilities contain multiple state-of-the-art safety features including bright lighting, closed circuit security cameras and panic alarms. The free Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) assists customers with dead batteries, flat tires or lockouts. In addition, PTS has developed a number of services to encourage the use of alternate transportation modes, namely programs like U-Pass, Helmets and Headlights and Zipcar.

Folks commute to the university in many different ways. It is necessary for us to respond to the needs of all groups in a fiscally and environmentally responsible manner while maintaining community integrity, Baker said.