SDSU Fall 2005 Semester Traffic & Parking Information

Contact: Renee Haines
SDSU Marketing & Communications
Office (619) 594-4298
rhaines@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, August 18, 2005 – San Diego State University today announced a comprehensive traffic and parking management plan for the first weeks of class for the fall semester, which begins Wednesday, Aug. 31.

A new campus trolley stop is expected to attract thousands of riders each day. “The new trolley line and underground station at San Diego State offers a terrific alternative for students and staff to reach our campus each day during these busy first days of the fall semester,” said Debbie L. Richeson, director of auxiliary services for San Diego State’s Department of Public Safety.

A crew of approximately 70 people – including university parking officers, city police department special event traffic controllers and contracted personnel from private companies – also will be assigned to help direct traffic and facilitate parking.

Parking permits always are required. This year, decal permits for the fall semester can be purchased for $135 from university cashiers or at the Aztec Bookstore. One-day visitor permits are available outside the Parking Information Booth at the Chemical Science Laboratory, inside Parking Structure 5 (on levels 1-2), inside Parking Structure 6 (on levels 1-3) and inside Parking Structure 2 (on levels 1, 3, 4 and 5 after 4:30 p.m.).

The Department of Public Safety at San Diego State reports three parking changes this fall: S Lot will close permanently this fall; W Lot now has two pay permit machines; R Lot has opened by the campus tennis courts, and has a pay permit machine.

SDSU Traffic and Parking Tips:

1. Take the Trolley: The new San Diego Trolley line and underground station at San Diego State is expected to attract more than 4,000 riders each day, with higher numbers expected during special events. Currently enrolled students can purchase discounted monthly or semester passes at the Aztec Center ticket office. Trolley schedules, fares, maps and other information are available at www.sdcommute.com.

2. Ride the Bus: The street-level bus plaza above the San Diego State trolley stop is served by Metropolitan Transit Service bus routes 11, 13, 115, 936 and 955. Discounted bus passes are available at the Aztec Center ticket office. For more information, call 1-800-COMMUTE.

3. Car Pool: Campus staff and students can save on gas and parking expenses by joining a car pool. For a shared parking permit, register with Ridelink at www.relink.org, or pick up an application at the Aztec Center Information Booth.

4. Park and Pedal: For parking off campus and riding a bicycle the remainder of the way, a favorite place to park and pedal is off Montezuma Road toward El Cajon Boulevard. The bike ride is approximately one mile on level streets. City streets immediately surrounding the campus which are designated “B” parking zones and require a city-issued permit.

5. Arrive Early: Arrive as early as possible, especially for classes before noon.

6. Try Free Valet Parking: Free valet parking services will be offered to expand San Diego State’s parking capacity during peak periods. Valet parking will be available in Parking Structure 5 and W Lot on the west side of campus, and in C and D Lots east of College Avenue off Alvarado Road.

7. Use Alternative Traffic Routes: During peak hours from 7:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., consider using these alternatives to the College Avenue exit off Interstate 8:

-- Take the 70th Street exit off Interstate 8. Take 70th Street south to El Cajon Boulevard, and turn right onto El Cajon Boulevard. Turn right onto Montezuma Road to the access roads for Parking Structures 3 and 6.

-- Use State Route 94, exiting at College Avenue and approaching campus from the south. Take College Avenue to Montezuma Road and turn right or left, depending on your destination.

-- Take the Fairmont Road Exit from Interstate 8. Take Fairmont south and merge onto Montezuma Road. Turn left on 55th Street to enter Parking Structure 5 beneath the track and field complex.

8. Park on the East Side of Campus: If arriving on campus after 8 a.m. during the first weeks of the fall semester, park east of College Avenue in Lots C or D or in Parking Structures 3 or 6. The Red and Black Shuttle system will provide transportation to the west side of campus from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

9. Use the Campus Escort Service: The Campus Escort Service is available from dusk to dawn, and can be accessed from parking lots and other campus locations. From campus, dial 4-6659 for the campus escort service. There is no charge to dial from a campus pay phone or campus emergency phone.

10. Information for Visitors: The Parking Information Booth can help direct visitors to open pay parking lots and provide campus directions. The booth is located on the first floor of the Chemical Sciences Building on the corner of College Avenue and Canyon Crest Drive.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 72 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s nearly 33,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct faculty contact and an increasing international emphasis that prepares students for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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