For newcomers, Los Angeles can be intimidating, and some
students might miss out on all the city has to offer if uninformed
about how to get around.
But with multiple bus lines and the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
working directly with the university to serve the UCLA community,
transportation around Los Angeles is easier than some might
expect.
Since fall 2000 the program known as BruinGo! has allowed UCLA
students, faculty and staff to ride the Big Blue Bus for free by
simply swiping their BruinCard.
Though BruinGo! was designed to decrease traffic congestion, its
main goal was to decrease demand for parking at the university.
Because the BruinGo! program was part of an effort to help
alleviate UCLA’s parking problems, funding for BruinGo! came
directly from UCLA Parking.
A cost-benefit analysis of the program conducted by Crain &
Associates ““ an independent transportation consultant company
““ showed that the money saved on parking services as a result
of BruinGo! was not enough to cover the ongoing cost of the
program.
Starting fall quarter, the formerly free bus rides will cost
students 25 cents. The new rate will remain constant for a
three-year period, and the remaining $850,000 cost of BruinGo! will
be paid for with parking fees.
Lisa Yuki, a second-year political science and history student
said though she rides the Big Blue Bus, paying 25 cents will not
present any difficulties for her.
“The fare increase doesn’t affect me that much but I
think that it’s fair since it is still a lot cheaper than
parking,” she said.
But other students have said though 25 cents isn’t a lot
to pay, costs can add up quickly for those struggling to pay their
college expenses.
For Big Blue Bus rides between June 14 and Sept. 15, students
can purchase discounted debit cards and tokens from the Central
Ticketing Office.
As for the school year, UCLA Transportation Services is working
with the Big Blue Bus to come up with a cashless payment method
that would be as convenient as the swipes.
The Big Blue Bus is also looking to extend its services to serve
its riders better.
“We are working to try and expand the program to cover the
Culver City Bus as well,” said Renee Fortier, associate
director for the parking and bus management group of UCLA
transportation services.
Currently, the Big Blue Bus service makes Santa Monica pier,
Venice Beach and Downtown Los Angeles easily accessible to the UCLA
community.
With 325 buses running from Santa Monica on 13 daily routes
passing through UCLA, the Big Blue Bus also makes shopping at Third
Street Promenade an popular and accessible destination for
students.
Even with the option of public transportation, having a car at
college is ideal for many students.
But only few enjoy the luxury of having a parking space since
student parking permits are assigned on a need-based point
system.
Students who don’t qualify for parking can park on streets
adjacent to campus, and Gayley Avenue is one of the hot spots for
students looking for parking.
Visitors seeking short-term parking can purchase $7 day passes
at Parking Information Booths around campus, which allow access to
UCLA’s numbered lots.
Parking meters present another alternative, but at 25 cents per
eight minutes, it’s a pricey option.
“Parking on campus is really frustrating because the
meters cost double what the city meters cost. I have gotten about 3
tickets this past year for expired meters,” said Renee Ropp,
a second-year geography student.
Though some meters are free during nighttime hours, some may
find it difficult to move their vehicles after a night of
partying.
“Seven a.m. is very inconvenient to have to wake up and
move the car or buy another pass,” said Sofia Gomez, a
second-year undeclared student. “They start ticketing right
at seven ““ I had friends visiting who got tickets at 7:02
a.m.”