[Seriously?] Cars out, private jets in

WUR wants to deal with the traffic problem around the campus by introducing parking charges. The proceeds will finance the construction of a small runway.

‘WUR is known as a green university and regularly wins awards for that,’ explains spokesperson Dotty Prattle. ‘Then it makes sense to introduce parking charges to make staff and students think twice before coming by car.’ According to Prattle, parking will cost around 100 euros per day. ‘We are still thinking about the exact amount. It has to be a rate that puts you off a bit, even on a professor’s salary, so that people only come by car if there really is no alternative.’

With the parking revenue, WUR plans to build a runway for private jets, plus a small air traffic control tower and a helicopter pad. WUR hopes this will help it attract even more multinationals to the campus.

The private jets can be used for educational purposes

‘As the best university in our field, a lot of large corporates are eager to influence our research agenda. But our business facilities and accessibility could be better. The traffic jams are a disaster if you have to get from Schiphol Airport to the campus by car.’

The location of the helipad and landing strip has not yet been decided, says Prattle. The football fields near the Bongerd were favoured at first, but the field between Orion, Forum and Atlas now seems a better option. Then the parked private jets and helicopters can be used for educational purposes as well. ‘Wageningen education is becoming increasingly activist. So this will provide a safe way for students to learn how to chain themselves to jets or block traffic flows.’

As with the education buildings, students and staff are allowed to contribute ideas on the name of the runway. Prattle: ‘I submitted a name myself: Volare.’

Submissions can be sent to resource@wur.nl

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