VCU news

By Jonsette Calloway
VCU Parking and Transportation

Virginia Commonwealth University parking subscribers no longer have to rely on email to learn about important parking-related impacts. On Thursday, Oct. 12, Parking and Transportation launched a new text alert service aimed at providing customers with real-time emergency updates.

Whereas previously the only way the department could alert customers to parking impediments was through email and social media, now, anyone will be able to receive emergency notifications specific to their designated parking facility through SMS.

“Our team has and continues to diligently work towards meeting the needs and wants of our customer,” said Clayton Harrington III, director for Parking and Transportation. “Text alerts are communication methods that will allow us to meet a customer need in a much more timely and efficient manner.”

Subscribers will still continue to receive emails regarding impacts at their designated facility, as the text service will be primarily used to communicate high-priority information only, such as facility closings, emergency evacuations and any other situation in which ingress or egress at a particular facility may be severely impacted. 

“The new VCU Parking text alert system will be an excellent communication tool available to VCU Health team members,” said Carlos Brown, executive director of support services and planning for VCU Medical Center, who noted hospital employees tend to work around the clock. “Team members will receive real time information related to parking facilities and associated services.”

Demand for a parking text alert service has been steadily increasing over the past year. To date, more than 800 subscribers have opted in to the service. 

“This will be a useful tool, particularly during periods of inclement weather,” Brown said. “I encourage all team members to sign up."

The parking text messaging service does not replicate or replace the VCU emergency alerts text system. Those who would like to enroll in the text service can do so by visiting http://www.parking.vcu.edu/news-and-alerts/text-service and texting their facility’s short code to “21000.” 

For more information on VCU Parking and Transportation, visit parking.vcu.edu.

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