After 39 years at the University of Minnesota, Executive Director of Parking and Transportation Services Bob W. Baker announced he will retire in early June.  

During his 23-year tenure as head of Parking and Transportation Services, Baker increased the amount of campus parking spaces by 50 percent, initiated the U-Pass program and increased campus transit use by more than 70 percent, according to a news release from Parking and Transportation Services.

Baker also represented the University’s interests in negotiations for the Central Corridor light-rail line, which will run through the University when it enters service in 2014.  

The University is the third largest traffic hub in Minnesota, with more than 80,000 people crossing campus every day, according to the release.

Baker began his work at the University in 1974 as a residence hall director for Territorial Hall. He remained in the University’s Office of Housing and Residential Life for 16 years.

His retirement will begin June 7, 2013.