Time: 6:27 AM .Monday Morning.
Place: Bed.
Current Mood: Sleepy.
All of a sudden the sound of the alarm goes off and it’s time to wake up, but you get that feeling of having the weight of the world upon you. You take 7 min to get all your 5 [or 6] senses aligned and you slowly prepare yourself for today’s challenges. You’re becoming AWAKE, you turn on the television and switch it to your local news [KTLA Morning News for me] and you see the traffic report… oh yes you hear the beautiful words of that traffic accident that just occurred on the 5 South and expect delays. “NICE. Isn’t it?”
As a student COMMUTER from Cal State Fullerton, that is one of the worst things I can hear because it really delays all of my daily activities and gets me in a really not-so-good mood for the entire day, not to mention I might miss my first class. But, traffic for the most part is uncontrollable and we have to understand that it just happens in our community. PARKING is another ball game and a BIG problem for us @CSUF. We get to encounter this on a DAILY BASIS. I have seen people waiting in their cars by the lots waiting for students and an available spot. Inside the structures you can literally be haunted upon other cars waiting in the elevators looking for an available spot. I have heard people wait an entire hour before getting a parking spot in the lots, but I HAVE A SOLUTION!
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION!!
You will be AMAZED at how easy it is and the amount of TIME & MONEY you will be saving! So what alternative transportation exactly you ask? ANY!!! Here are the ones I have done and encourage to comment on any other ALTERNATIVES you might have!
Take the bus!
As CSUF students, we have the awesome privilege of being partners with OCTA and have FREE access to the OCTA Express in the Fullerton AREA! This is really cool because the bus routes are quick and very clean. I have taken the OCTA buses now for all 3 years of my college career and it has been a really pleasant experience. Not only do I take the OCTA but also take the MTA from Norwalk to school!! When I tell my friends that it takes me 1hr and 30 min to get to CSUF they think I’m crazy, but to be honest it’s not bad, it’s really AWESOME!!!! It really gives me time to prepare myself fully for class. During my bus rides, I have time to catch up on my homework and also read my textbooks which you CANNOT do while driving. I also have my inseparable iPod and listen to my favorite music and podcasts on the go.
Carpool!
I used to carpool with my friends that lived near me to CSUF and we both saved money since we split the gasoline costs. We both benefited from being carpool buddies because we helped each other out and not only that but I got to know him better as a person. If it wasn’t for that opportunity I would not have ever gained another true friend. If you have co-workers or friends that are going to the same location i encourage you to CARPOOL you might just gain a new TRUE FRIEND!
Take the shuttle!
I have not done this personally but I’ve always seen a long line by the roundabout near Langsdorf Hall and I have found that the Meridian Fitness Club has offered their parking area for CSUF permit users! There is a shuttle that goes to and from that area and its a quicker way to get to class in less time! Click here for more info!
So NOW my question is DO YOU have another way of beating traffic / high gas prices?
[photo taken by me on my way home by the Fullerton Park and Ride]