Q: What are my transportation options?
A:
***Campus and Santa Cruz County***
TAPS - TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SERVICES
Transportation and Parking Services has an extensive web site with answers to most of your transportation and parking questions at taps.ucsc.edu.
The TAPS Sales Office is located at the H Barn
831-459-4543
The TAPS Administrative Offices are located at the Central Garage
831-459-2190
General email: taps@ucsc.edu
TAPS is your main university resource for information on parking, shuttle services, city bus service, bike riding, Zipcar and Zimride membership, methods of getting home (Amtrak, BART, airport connectors, etc.), and event parking.
METRO TRANSIT (City Bus Service)
For general, route, and schedule information visit: www.scmtd.com
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SCMTD Metro) operates extensive bus service throughout Santa Cruz County. University route buses serve the campus every five to eight minutes on academic days and three to four times an hour on weekends and during summer and quarter breaks. Since all University routes originate at the Metro Center, transferring between buses is easy. Metro also operates direct and express buses that serve UCSC. All Metro routes are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate three bikes in a front loading rack.
Metro service for students is funded through the Student Transit Fee. Showing a valid UCSC Student I.D. Card provides unlimited Metro transit service to students within Santa Cruz County. New students receive temporary bus passes in their college orientation packets. Returning students can obtain their validation stickers at their college office until the second week of each quarter and at ID Card Services, located next to the Bay Tree Bookstore, after the second week of each quarter. UCSC staff and faculty can obtain a discounted Faculty/Staff bus pass - see the bus pass section below for details.
Metro buses run both directions through campus. Even numbered routes enter campus through the east gate (main entrance) and travel in a counter-clockwise direction on campus. Odd numbered routes enter through the west gate and travel in a clockwise direction. Routes signs on campus bus shelters identify where to wait for each route.
Bus Passes
Metro service for students is funded through the Student Transit Fee. Showing a valid UCSC Student I.D. Card provides unlimited Metro transit service to students. New students receive temporary bus passes in their college orientation packets. Returning students can obtain their validation stickers at their college office until the second week of each quarter and at ID Card Services, located next to the Bay Tree Bookstore, after the second week of each quarter. UCSC faculty and staff can apply for a bus pass through the TAPS Sales Office.
METRO NIGHT OWL SERVICE
Metro Night Owl service to campus is provided by the SCMTD Metro and operates until 2:55 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and until 1:55 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. From certain areas of town you may also get a ride by using the dial-a-ride option. Dial-a-ride service areas include downtown Santa Cruz, River Street locations, the Boardwalk area, West Santa Cruz locations, and the area between Mission Street and campus. On Friday and Saturday nights buses operate the 16 University Laurel Street and the 19 University Lower Bay routes until 2:55 A.M.
Call 831-426-6738 to request dial-a-ride service.
There is a map of the dial-a-ride service area at www.scmtd.com.
METRO - POPULAR DESTINATIONS
Downtown (Pacific Avenue)
All buses that come up to campus begin and end their routes at the Santa Cruz Metro Center downtown.
Boardwalk/Beach
Note: This location is within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Metro Center downtown.
ROUTE 7 –BEACH
• Leaves from the Santa Cruz Metro Center downtown.
• Boardwalk/Wharf
• Beach Street
• Beach hill, hotels and shops
*Operates on weekdays only.
Capitola Mall
ROUTE 69 - CAPITOLA/CABRILLO/WATSONVILLE
ROUTE 54 - CAPITOLA/SOQUEL
ROUTE 55 - RIO DEL MAR
• Route 69 leaves from the Santa Cruz Metro Center downtown on weekdays and weekends.
Stops include: Capitola Mall, Cabrillo College and Watsonville.
• Route 54 leaves from Capitola Mall on weekends.
Stops include: 41st Avenue, Bay Street, Capitola Avenue, Clares, Soquel Drive, Hill Street.
• Route 55 leaves from Capitola Mall Monday through Friday. Stops include: Capitola Village, Cabrillo College, New Brighton Beach, Seacliff Beach, and Rio Del Mar Beach.
Places of Interest
• 41st Avenue shopping areas, Soquel Village, Capitola Village, Jewel Box neighborhood
• Capitola Mall, Brown Bulb Ranch, Post Office, DMV, County Office of Education, Nob Hill Market
• Capitola City Hall
UCSC SHUTTLE SERVICE
Visit the TAPS web site for all campus shuttle general schedules and routes at taps.ucsc.edu/campustransit.html.
Day Shuttle Service
This service is provided by UCSC Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS). Day shuttles operate Monday through Friday, and serve the entire campus, including classrooms, the main entrance of campus, and the East Remote and West Remote parking lots. During the academic year Day Shuttles operate on 9-12 minute frequencies. During summer and quarter breaks, Day Perimeter and modified Core service is available every 10-15 minutes. During quarter breaks, modified Day Perimeter and Day Core service are available.
Night Shuttle Service
This service is also provided by UCSC TAPS. Night Shuttles operate until midnight seven nights a week during fall, winter, and spring quarters and serve the entire campus, including college circles. The Night Shuttles operate on 10- to 20-minute frequencies. Night Shuttles do not operate during quarter breaks.
All shuttle routes are wheelchair accessible. Campus shuttle service is supported by the Student Transit Fee; no fare is required to ride. Maps and schedules are available on the shuttles and at shuttle stops, at Transportation Information Centers around campus, and in the Metro "Headways."
Paratransit
TAPS runs a UCSC Disability Van.
For info visit taps.ucsc.edu/dvs.html or call 831-459-2829.
ZIPCAR MEMBERSHIP
Zipcar - It's Wheels When You Want Them
Zipcar is the new car-sharing program recently initiated on the UCSC campus through TAPS. Zipcar is a membership-based car rental program providing UC students, staff, and faculty self-service access to vehicles on and off campus, 24 hours a day. All UCSC staff, faculty, and UCSC students who are licensed drivers 18 years of age and older are eligible to apply for Zipcar membership. Membership is based on driving record and is approved by Zipcar. Reserve by the hour or the day, online or over the phone.
For more information, visit: www.zipcar.com/ucsc
VEHICLE PARKING PERMITS
On Campus
TAPS
Please note that residential frosh and sophomores are prohibited from parking their cars on campus. Please visit taps.ucsc.edu/prohibition.html for more information.
Downtown
From www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us click: Departments/Divisions>Public Works>Traffic Engineering> Parking Services
Other Off–Campus Parking Sites
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Lot
Applications for fall quarter are accepted starting August 3, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.; please contact the Beach Boardwalk at 831-423-5590 prior to submitting an application. Get a printable Beach Boardwalk Parking Application (PDF).
First Congregational Church on High Street
The parking lot is approximately two blocks from the UCSC Main Entrance. Long-term overnight parking for students is offered at $550 for the academic year, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The 73 available spaces are located in the lower parking lot, adjacent to High Street. FCC is currently accepting applications for 2009-10. Call Brooke at 831-426-2010.
High Street Community Church
The parking lot is approximately four blocks from the UCSC Main Entrance. Annual parking for 24 hours a day/6 days a week (Monday through Saturday) is offered for $500 for the year. Students are required to move their cars on Sundays as a courtesy to the congregation. HSCC is currently accepting applications for 60 permits offered on a first come, first served basis. Call Dorothy at 831-426-0207.
BICYCLING
Bicycle Safety
Students are encouraged to bring their bikes to campus. Scenic bike paths abound on campus, including some designated off-road trails in the Upper Campus -- but be prepared for hills! Bike racks are conveniently located next to all major buildings. Getting from class to class is easy on a bike. However, riding on the primary bikeways and shared roads can present some challenges that require special attention, so practicing bike safety is important. Always wear a bike helmet, and be sure to use a light and reflector when riding at night. Learn more about bike safety practices at UCSC by visiting taps.ucsc.edu/bikesafety.html.
Bike Trailer
TAPS operates a Bicycle Trailer from two locations on weekday mornings: Olive Street, next to the Mission Street CVS store, and from University Inn on Ocean Street. Cyclists can catch a ride with their bicycle up to campus. On-campus passengers can unload bikes at the Physical Plant Metro Stop, on the lower campus, and at the College Ten Circle, on the upper campus. Between the trailer and the van, 14 bikes can be carried each run. So, catch a ride with your bike up the hill in the morning and enjoy the cycle down in the afternoon.
Contact TAPS at 831-459-3228 or visit: taps.ucsc.edu/bikeshuttle.html for more information.
Bike Racks on Buses
Bicycle racks are available on campus shuttles and Metro buses.
Bikes are allowed on the following UCSC transit routes; the Loop and on Night Perimeter buses traveling east to west from the campus Main Entrance to the West Remote parking lot. Bikes can be loaded and unloaded at all stops along these routes; buses are equipped with front-loading bike racks that carry two bikes at a time. Bikes are not allowed inside buses.
All Metro buses in Santa Cruz County have bicycle racks available to users. Metro bus bike racks hold three bikes each.
Contact TAPS at 831-459-3228 or visit taps.ucsc.edu/busbikeracks.html for more information.
Bike Parking at Bus Stops and on Campus
Current UCSC code states that bicycles "shall not be parked, stood, or locked against any lightpost, stair railing, ramp, or any portion thereof, nor shall they block in any way curb cuts, ramps, or paths of accessible travel. Bicycles shall be parked in bicycle racks provided; those parked elsewhere may be impounded." The bicycle owner will be responsible for all costs associated with this action, including the citation, an impound fee, and the cost of removing the bicycle from where it is locked.
Bike racks can be found at transit and shuttle stops, and near most major buildings on campus. Contact the Campus Police if you suspect your bicycle has been stolen or impounded at 831-459-2231.
Bike Licensing
TAPS and OPERS have teamed up to provide bicycle licensing services to the campus. Bike licenses are mandatory to legally operate your bike on campus roads. New licenses and renewals are free and are valid statewide. Licenses can increase the chance of recovering your bike if it's stolen.
License your bike at the OPERS drop-in bicycle maintenance clinic on Thursday afternoons during the academic year, or during OPERS office hours.
For more information visit: taps.ucsc.edu/bicycleprograms.html. Contact TAPS at 831-469-1942 or e-mail cacrowe@ucsc.edu for more information on how to license your bike at TAPS.
Bike Maintenance Drop-in Clinic
The UCSC Bicycle Program co-sponsors a weekly bicycle maintenance clinic with OPERS. During the academic year, free drop-in bicycle maintenance is offered at the Recreation Office Porch located at the East Field House.
For more information visit: taps.ucsc.edu/bicycleprograms.html or contact OPERS at 831-459-2806 for more information.
Off-Road Bicycling
The UCSC upper campus offers some off-road bicycling areas. Bicyclists are limited to designated roads -- no single-track bicycling is available on campus lands. Many of the upper campus lands contain sensitive and unique biological, geological, and cultural resources and reserves. Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations.
Contact TAPS at 831-459-2190 or e-mail cacrowe@ucsc.edu for more information.
A map of the upper campus for bicycles, pedestrians, and equestrians is available online. For more information about the natural reserve visit: ucreserve.ucsc.edu.
RIDESHARING
Links to Commute Solutions and 511.org On-line Ride Match System
Visit: www.commutesolutions.org or www.511.org.
ZIMRIDE MEMBERSHIP
Zimride - Share the Ride at UCSC
Zimride is a simple way to find friends and classmates who are going the same way you are. Combining social networks and a proprietary route-matching algorithm, Zimride makes it easy to share the seats in your car or catch a ride. Zimride provides a rich social context to connect and establish trust. Zimriders can view profiles for common networks, interests, and friends before deciding to share a ride.
It's simple. Have a car? Split the costs by driving fellow UCSC community members. Don't have a car? Find a ride where you need to go. You save money and protect the environment when you share a ride! There is no cost for membership.
All UCSC students are eligible to sign up for Zimride through Facebook.
Check Out Zimride on Facebook now. Already on Facebook?
Start Using Zimride Now!
WALKING
There are extensive walking trails throughout the campus. Walking is an efficient way to get from class to class while relaxing and enjoying UCSC's unique environment. Many students find walking to be the preferred means of campus travel.
With the University campus covering 2,000 acres of hilly terrain, there is ample opportunity for recreational hikers to enjoy the scenery. The Office of Physical Education and Recreation (OPERS) has instructors, materials, and courses to teach fun and safe hiking techniques.
A map of the upper campus for bicycles, pedestrians, and equestrians is available from TAPS and online at http://maps.ucsc.edu/cduppercampus.html
A new walking map will be available on the Transportation and Parking web site in fall 2009.
Visit: taps.ucsc.edu
***Bay Area and Beyond***
Detailed Bay Area transportation resources can be found on the web at: taps.ucsc.edu/destinations.html
www.google.com/transit
511.org
Public Transportation Options to UC Berkeley
Visit the TAPS web site to view information about using the BART Connector and/or Greyhound bus to travel to UC Berkeley.
Fremont BART Connector Service
UCSC offers a weekend shuttle between the campus and the Fremont BART station. Use the shuttle to connect with BART, which offers rail service throughout the North Bay, including stops in San Francisco, Berkeley, Concord, and Richmond. The UCSC Fremont BART Connector provides two round-trips a day on Fridays and Sundays during the academic year. On Fridays, the bus departs UCSC at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and departs BART at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. On Sundays, the bus departs UCSC at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. and departs BART at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off at UCSC is at the Porter Metro Stop on the north side of Heller Drive. Wheelchair access is available; make your needs known when making a reservation. This service is available to University affiliates only.
The cost is $19 each way; 10, 20 and 30 count ticket books can be purchased at the TAPS Sales office. Pick up BART Connector brochures at Transportation Information Centers on campus. BART schedules are available on BART Connector buses.
Reservations are required and can be made up to two weeks prior to travel time by calling 831-459-3779 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information is available at: taps.ucsc.edu/bartconnector.html
Airports
There are a variety of ways to get to the Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco airports without a car. For more details visit: taps.ucsc.edu/airports.html
Metro - Highway 17 Express
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District offers express bus service on Highway 17, between Scotts Valley and San Jose, including the San Jose Amtrak Train Station (SJC). From the Amtrak Station in San Jose, you can connect with buses and trains that take you through and beyond the Bay Area. The service offers frequent weekday trips. To access the UC Santa Cruz campus Highway 17 Express passengers must connect with a University route bus to campus at the Santa Cruz Metro Center. Your student ID card is accepted as fare on local Metro buses; additional fare of $4.50 each way is required to ride the Highway 17 Express.
For more information call SCMTD at 831-425-8600 or go to www.scmtd.com/routes/rt17.html.
Train Service
Amtrak offers train and bus connections to many California and U.S. locations. Amtrak operates the Capitol Train that connects East Bay Area cities between San Jose and Sacramento. CalTrain service connects San Jose and San Francisco.
Call 800-USA-RAIL or visit the Amtrak web site for Amtrak and Capitol Train schedule information and reservations.
BART
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) offers rail service throughout the North Bay, including stops in San Francisco, Berkeley, Concord, Oakland, and Fremont. UCSC offers a weekend bus connection to the Fremont BART station during the academic year.
Call 510-441-BART for more information or visit www.bart.gov.
Greyhound Bus
The Greyhound Bus Station in Santa Cruz is located at 425 Front Street (next to the SCMTD Transit Center). This bus line offers a variety of inexpensive transportation options.
For information and reservations call 800-231-2222 or visit www.greyhound.com/home.
The L.A. Turkey Express and the Polar Express
OPERS, the UC Santa Cruz Office of Physical Education, Recreation & Sports, provides chartered buses that take students to the Los Angeles area for Thanksgiving and Winter breaks. The Turkey Express bus departs campus at noon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and returns to campus on the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving. The Polar Express bus departs campus at noon on the last day of finals and returns the evening before classes begin for the winter quarter.
The three drop off points in the LA area are:
L.A. Valley College, East L.A. College, and UCLA.
More information about this service can be obtained from Matt Brower, Recreation Supervisor at OPERS. Want the details? E-mail Matt at mabrower@ucsc.edu, or give him a call at 831-459-2807.
EVENT PARKING
TAPS Event Parking Operations will help you coordinate parking for all events on campus, whether you are expecting 15 people or 2,000. Through TAPS Event Operations you can reserve one parking space for your special guest, or an entire parking lot, as well as order shuttles and way-finding signs for your event, and provide attendants to direct traffic and sell or issue parking permits to your guests at your event location. Contact the TAPS Event Parking Office at 831-459-1097 to learn more.
Q: What types of support services are provided for students?
A: Support for UC Santa Cruz students encompasses academic
and career advising, personal support, and a broad range of
other student services. The campus is accommodating to students
with disabilities, assists nontraditionally aged students
in their transition to the university, and helps students
with internship placement and career planning.
More information about support services here at UC Santa Cruz:
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