SDSU Fall 2007 Parking and Traffic Information

SAN DIEGO (Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007)—San Diego State University today announced a comprehensive traffic and parking management plan for the first weeks of the fall 2007 semester. Classes begin Monday, August 27. 

“SDSU has become a ‘community campus’ rather than a ‘commuter campus,’” said Clayton Kraft, director of facilities planning.   “Students are now able to use the MTS green line facility as an alternative to driving, travel between campus and nearby cultural activities and be part of a new ‘green-friendly’ campus environment.”

SDSU and the Metropolitan Transit System are working together to provide discounted transit options and extensive trolley and bus services to get to and from the campus.  Last fall, more than 3,000 semester trolley passes were purchased.

Trolley service on the MTS Green Line connects with the SDSU Transit Center.

Again this year, a subsidized semester transit pass is available to students for $113 at the Aztec Center Ticket Office.  The “College Pass” goes on sale August 20 through September 30, 2007 and entitles students to unlimited transit rides for the entire semester. Faculty, staff and students may also purchase monthly unlimited ride passes at a discounted rate.  Individual trip tickets are available at automated kiosks at the SDSU Trolley station. 

In addition, this fall semester construction activity on campus will be light which should also help in smoothing traffic and allow for maximum parking availability, Kraft said.

For those who choose to drive, a crew of approximately 70 people – including university parking officers, city police department special event traffic controllers and contracted personnel from private companies – will be assigned to help direct traffic and facilitate parking.  Lots C and D will have complimentary valet parking, only if overflow parking is needed.

SDSU has more than 14,000 parking spaces available for faculty, staff, students and visitors.  Parking permits are always required in campus lots. This year, student parking permits for the fall semester can be purchased for $135 from University Cashiers or at the Aztec Bookstore.  Overnight parking permits for those who live on campus are $213.

One-day visitor permits can be purchased by the parking information booth at the Chemical Science Laboratory, inside Parking Structure 5 (on levels 1-2), inside Parking Structure 6 (on levels 1-2), inside Parking Structure 2 after 4:30 p.m. and in the M, R and W lots. For a map showing these locations, visit www.sdsu.edu.

SDSU Public Safety reports one parking change this fall affecting student and visitor lots.

• Lot R,adjacent to the new Aztec Aquaplex, is now open for visitor parking.

SDSU Traffic and Parking Tips:

1. Take the Trolley:  Park your car for free at any of the convenient trolley stops throughout San Diego and ride directly to campus.  Trolley schedules, fares, maps and other information are available at www.sdcommute.com.
2. Arrive Early: If you choose to drive, arrive as early as possible, especially for classes before noon.
3. 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.
4. Plan Ahead: Students are encouraged to plan their trips to campus ahead of time in order to make the fewest trips to and from campus.  Figure out which lot and traffic route will be the most timely and convenient if driving.  Examine the trolley schedule for the best departure time from your location.   
5. 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 Lot C or Lot D or in Parking Structure 3 or 6.
6. Ride the Bus: The street-level bus plaza above the San Diego State trolley stop is served by Metropolitan Transit Service bus routes 11, 14, 15, 115, 856, 936 and 955. Discounted transit passes are available at the Aztec Center ticket office. For more information, call 1-800-COMMUTE.
7. Car Pool: The SDSU “School Pool” Rideshare Program is free to all students, faculty and staff and you don’t need to own a car to participate.  Those interested can apply online at www.ridelink.com and are paired with other SDSU commuters who live nearby.
8. Park and Pedal: A favorite place to park off-campus and bike to SDSU is off Montezuma Road toward El Cajon Boulevard. The bike ride is approximately one mile on level streets. City streets immediately surrounding the campus are designated “B” parking zones and require a city-issued permit.
9. Use the Campus Escort Service: The Campus Escort Service is available seven days a week from dusk to dawn, and can be accessed from parking lots and other campus locations. Students, faculty and staff can take advantage of this free service by calling 594-6659 and a department employee will meet you within approximately 15 minutes to escort you to your destination. There is no charge to dial from a campus pay phone or campus emergency phone.
10. Use the Free SDSU Red/Black Shuttle: The campus loop shuttle vans run Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. along a one-way, 11-stop route providing access to several peripheral parking lots.  
11. 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 73 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

###