Students find solutions to commuting

Commuting to school can take a real toll on your car, not to mention your nerves. Cal State Long Beach is known for being a commuter campus; some drives are much further than others.

"Commuting to and from school can add a lot of stress to your life," said Rosie Abrahamian, CSULB public relations student, who commutes from Pasadena. "I'm on the freeway two hours every day. I could use that time doing other things."

Abrahamian, who used to live in Long Beach, said that since she moved back home school has not been her top priority, getting there has. "I was more relaxed when I lived closer to school," she said. "I'm definitely moving back to Long Beach next semester."

One solution to the torture of commuting is to move closer to school. However, for many students, moving out is not the answer. Moving can be too expensive or just not possible. Another solution to the commuting blues is car pooling, which is more affordable and may also be more practical.

CSULB and many other commuter campuses recommend that commuters car pool. The benefits to those who do are great. Those who car pool get better parking and save money on gas.

"Car poolers save a lot of money because they only need one parking permit," said Faisao Shaikh, a business student who works part-time at Parking and Transportation Services. "Students also save money because they share the cost of gas."

The Parking and Transportation Services office has a program where they will help you find someone to car pool with. All one needs to do is go to to the Parking and Transportation Services building, which is located on Merriam Way, adjacent to the parking structure and fill out a form.

The information is then entered into the computer and most often a match is found. If there is no match, your name will be placed on a list and as soon as someone compatible with you comes in, the parking administration will contact you.

"It's really a good program," said Shaikh. "Many people get their match."

For those who have already have friends they can car pool with, they may go to the Parking and Transportation Services office and purchase a car pool permit. "It's very easy," said Shaikh. "And you can have up to three cars on one permit."

For more information on car pooling, one may contact the Parking and Transportation Services office at (310) 985-4146.