The Lincoln and Brady garages implemented a new parking guidance system over the summer, adding electronic availability signs, improved wayfinding and expanded camera coverage
During peak hours, the Lincoln and Brady garages can approach capacity, making open spaces more difficult to find.
“We recognize that parking is limited. We have 7,800 spaces for people to use on campus,” said Tana Monroe, associate vice president for Boise State’s Department of Public Safety. “Trying to get everyone on campus is a really big job.”
The new parking guidance system is intended to make that process easier by providing drivers with real-time information about available spaces.
“I think the biggest thing that people are going to find is that it’s easier to find when there’s a parking stall open,” Monroe said.
The upgrades come after a fall 2025 parking study that found 97% of Lincoln Avenue Garage’s permit spaces were occupied. Brady Street Garage also reached 85%, a level the department says can make a garage feel full even when some spaces remain open.
However, Monroe said the parking guidance system was already planned before the study was conducted.
“We were planning that before we did the study,” Monroe said. “That’s been in the works for a couple of years.”
Boise State is also expanding camera coverage throughout both garages to support the new parking guidance system and improve safety and security.
“We added 434 cameras that help us look at how much the garages are actually being used in real time,” Monroe said.
The cameras allow the department to gain information about how the parking garage is being used and review footage if accidents occur. Monroe said that adding cameras has been a priority for the university for some time.
“There’s a security element to it too,” Monroe said. “Getting cameras in the garages was a priority for a long time.”
The parking guidance system monitors whether parking spaces are occupied, using green lights to indicate open spaces and red lights for occupied ones… Signs outside the garages will also show how many spaces are available.
The new system does not reserve parking spaces and doesn’t change where their permit allows them to park. Transportation says that having a permit does not grant access to every open space. Students must park according to their permit type and assigned zone.
Monroe said one of the biggest indicators of the system’s success will be whether students notice a difference in their parking experience.
“Hearing from students that they appreciate the time saved and don’t have to drive around to find spots as much, I think that would be great to hear,” Monroe said.
