History of Parking
University Parking Services has a rich history within the Texas Tech University system.
Through the years, University Parking Services has changed almost as much as modes of transportation have changed. We started as a small permit office housed within the Texas Tech Police Department, and eventually evolved to the current professional multifaceted department that prides itself on helping the students, faculty, and staff here commute to the campus and park as reliably as possible. Throughout its history the scope of the department has grown as well, for instance adding the Motorist Assistance Program to help motorists who have problems with their cars as a free service to anyone on the campus that needs help.
Below is a timeline of important events in the history of vehicles and parking that affect Texas Tech University's history:
- 1835: Thomas Davenport builds the first practical electric vehicle.
- 1908: Henry Ford introduces mass-production and the gasoline powered Model T.
- 1914: Dodge cars were introduced.
- 1923: Apr 5, Firestone Co. put their inflatable tires into production.
- 1925: Texas Technological College opens for its first semester of classes with 914 students.
- 1932: Mar 31, Ford Motor Co. publicly unveiled its V-8 engine.
- 1947: Texas Tech University establishes and begins enforcing traffic and parking regulations.
- 1960: The American muscle car race begins with the introduction of the Ford Mustang and The Chevrolet Camaro.
- 1964: Traffic and Parking installs the first entry stations in an effort to restrict access to the interior of campus.
- 1965: The first emissions and safety regulations introduced.
- 1969: Texas Technological College changes its name to Texas Tech University.
- 1972: Victor Wouk, builds the first full powered, full size hybrid vehicle.
- 1972: Texas Tech University Medical Center is established
- 1996: Traffic and Parking Services separates from Texas Tech University Police Department.
- 1997: Toyota unveils the Prius, the world's first commercially mass-produced and marketed hybrid car.
- 2002: University Parking Services finishes building the Flint Avenue Parking Facility, the first parking garage on campus.
- 2003: The introduction of flex-fuel cars, vehicles that could run on ethanol as well as regular petrol.
- 2007: Addition of the C-17 commuter parking lot on Texas Tech Parkway and entry station 5 at the Student Wellness Center
Legend
Orange: events in University Parking Services history
Red: events in Texas Tech history
Black: events in automobile history
