With plans to cut enrollment, parking should be a little easier next fall. If you’re having trouble, consider parking on the east side of campus: Parking Structure 3 had plenty of open spaces this spring. Expect fall semester permit prices to remain the same at $123. If you have summer classes, remember that you must pick up your permit in person at the Parking Services office.
U-PASS will continue
All Long Beach Transit buses will continue to be free for students, staff and faculty. Just remember to bring your Cal State Long Beach ID card. Routes 171 and 173 will act as replacements for off-campus shuttles, which will be discontinued. Watch for new print and broadcast ads promoting the program.
Shuttles will only run on campus
With the continuation of the U-PASS, off-campus shuttles will get the axe due to costs. A single shuttle runs a bill of $64,000 each year. On-campus shuttles will be upgraded with a tracking system that will allow students to track shuttle location, arrival times and number of passengers from their computers or cell phones.
Bicycle upgrades
Cyclists should see major improvements to their commute by fall 2009. Bike lanes are scheduled for construction both along Atherton Street and on campus. The rideshare program will offer a “Traffic Skills 101” class to help cyclists survive in a world of cars. Experts from Jax Bicycle Center will provide free bike checks and tune-ups at the CSULB Central Quad on the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Carpools and Vanpools
The student carpool match list will get an overhaul, complete with Facebook integration. The new match list website will search for carpool partners every night based on your preferences. Staff and faculty who live more than 20 miles from campus will also be able to take advantage of a new vanpool program.
Daniel Ramirez contributed to this article.