Traveling from point A to point B sounds like such a simple concept. But when faced with one-way streets, congested traffic jams and construction barricades, commuting to Portland State on a daily basis can be frustrating. Thankfully PSU students have a multitude of options to avoid commuting annoyances.
Riding the bus
The greatest advantage to taking the bus is that worries are minimized, since all bus passengers have to worry about is catching the right bus and getting off at the right stop. It’s a simple enough concept, right?
Students who don’t feel like paying the $2 bus fare twice a day can purchase a TriMet FlexPass, valid for all TriMet public transit (buses, MAX, Portland Streetcar) from Sept. 17 to Dec. 31. FlexPasses will run you $150 and can be purchased online or on campus, in the lobby of Neuberger Hall.
Conveniently, there are a number of bus lines that run from downtown to the Portland State area, usually running every 15 minutes. Here’s a rundown of the lines that run closest to PSU.
Southwest Broadway and Market Street: lines 1, 8, 9, 12, 19, 44, 68, 94
Southwest Broadway and Montgomery Street: lines 1, 8, 9, 12, 19, 44, 68, 94
Southwest Broadway and Hall Street: lines 1, 8, 9, 12, 19, 44, 68, 94
TriMet buses are ubiquitous in and around Portland, so finding a line in even the most distant suburbs (Gresham or Hillsboro) is possible using the Trip Planner feature at www.trimet.org.
Hitching a ride on the Streetcar
For northwest Portland, Pearl District and South Waterfront residents, the most feasible mode of transportation is the Portland Streetcar. Operating on a 7.2-mile route spanning from Northwest 23rd Avenue to the South Waterfront District, the Streetcar serves many Portlanders and has five convenient stops on Portland State’s campus for students.
While the Streetcar is an inexpensive option, frequent stops (about every three to four blocks) make for an unbearably long ride. Trains supposedly arrive every 13 minutes, but often seem less frequent. The bottom line is that if you’ve got less than 20 minutes before class, walking or biking is a much better option, given the Streetcar’s frequent stops and inconsistent arrivals.
Visit www.portlandstreetcar.org for more information.
Maximizing the MAX experience
Another option for students living in and around town is the MAX Light Rail, which runs from the suburbs of western Beaverton and Hillsboro all the way east to Gresham. Fares are free within Fairless Square, $1.75 for two zones and $2.05 for all zones. The MAX also travels to the Portland Airport and EXPO Center.
Trains arrive around every five to fifteen minutes between 4:30 a.m. and midnight. Exercise caution when riding at night—the train can sometimes be dangerous despite onboard cameras and security guards. Steer clear of shifty-looking passengers and be vigilant, because sticky situations can arise.
MAX trains are typically crowded during morning and evening commuting rushes. Northwest 10th Avenue and Yamhill Street, about 10 blocks north of campus, is the closest stop for PSU students. After getting off, students can walk to campus, catch the line 8 or 12 bus at Southwest Third Avenue and Yamhill Street, or catch the Streetcar headed to campus on 11th Avenue.
Commuting behind the wheel
Students who want to drive must be prepared to shell out a lot of cash to park on or near campus. Aside from gas and maintenance prices, drivers can expect to pay a pretty penny for a parking pass to one of PSU’s three on-campus parking structures. For some, nothing beats traveling alone and on one’s own terms, but unless you have the extra cash or are really sold on the convenience, parking at school just isn’t worth the expense.
Fulltime parking permits range from $246 to $267 for fall quarter. A litany of part-time permits are available to accommodate even the most strenuous of schedules, costing between $64 and $159 per term. Permits can be purchased online or in the Neuberger Hall lobby.
Parking Structure One: Southwest Broadway and Harrison Street (across from Neuberger Hall)
Parking Structure Two: Southwest Broadway and Montgomery Street (across from Cramer Hall)
Parking Structure Three: Southwest 12th Avenue and Montgomery Street
Bikes, bikes, bikes
Biking is a popular option among PSU State students, given its low costs and easy access. It doesn’t hurt that Portland is a very bike-friendly city, with numerous bike paths and courteous drivers.
There are plenty of places to lock up your bike on campus, typically located outside each building, and the space along the streets and in the South Park Blocks offers ample room for riders. Also, bicyclists can utilize tools, small parts and repair services offered through the PSU Bicycle Cooperative, located at the University Center Building on the corner of Southwest Fifth Avenue and Harrison Street, for a $10 annual fee.
Walking to class
Walking to and from campus is ideal for many downtown Portland residents. Whether it’s a couple of blocks or a few miles, a morning stroll underneath the cover of large poplar and elm trees on the beautiful Park Blocks or amid the hustle and bustle on Broadway or Sixth Avenue is both soothing and relaxing.
As an added bonus, walking is the only transportation option absolutely free of charge, aside from any handouts you might give to the homeless.