August 29, 2014

Traffic Tips and Parking Pointers

Tools to tackle the traffic at the beginning of the semester.

It’s wonderful to have everyone back! We’re all excited for the new academic year, which brings new opportunities for success.

To successfully tackle the usual first-month traffic volume we all face, Parking Services offers the following traffic tips and parking pointers:

Get to Know the Map

Become familiar with the University’s Parking Map. Understanding what the campus looks like and where you are eligible to park can greatly reduce the amount of time spent on the road.

Beat the Traffic. Come Early. Get Free Breakfast!

Come in early! The Center for Student Involvement will be hosting a Traffic Jamz event in the Red Hawk Nest, located in the first floor of the Student Center, September 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 from 7:00 a.m. to Noon. Come grab some breakfast and relax before your classes and avoid traffic.

Generally, the lots in the core of the campus are at full capacity from 9:00 a.m. to about 4:00 p.m., Mondays – Thursdays. If your arrival to campus will be after 9:30 a.m. and before 3:00 p.m. on Mondays – Thursdays, we strongly suggest that you drive directly to Lot 60 and 61 and take a shuttle bus directly to the core of the campus. We find that students who park in these lots and take a shuttle bus to University Hall arrive to their classes just as quickly as those who park in CarParc Diem and walk to class.

Roads and Parking Lots Get Congested

Remember, lots of people are returning to the roads, the first weeks of September. Our local roads will experience back-to-work congestion, after summer vacations. So allow for extra time to travel to campus, and for navigating the campus roads, as everyone gets back into the rhythm.

Get the Tweet

We Got the Apps to Help

Download the Parker App. We provide a live feed of lot closures and space availability to better assist with maneuvering about the campus. Accessing the App will assist with making parking decisions before coming to campus. In the words of News12: “Know before you go!”

Our shuttle buses are now equipped with Nextbus technology. Real-time bus arrival information is available via the website or your mobile device for buses that service your shuttle stop. Visit the Shuttle Services website for more information on shuttle schedules and use Nextbus to help navigate the MSU Shuttle System.

Mass Transit!

Consider leaving your car at home and try using public transit. MSU is situated between two train stations and is served by multiple bus lines; this makes public transit an easy and environmentally-friendly choice. As an added incentive, full-time students are eligible for a 25% discount on monthly NJTransit passes!

Try carpooling. Use MSU’s Carpool Directory to connect with other members of the community who can share rides to and from campus.

This Too Shall Pass

Please note that this congestion is not consistent throughout the year, traffic and parking settle into a routine after the initial few weeks of the semester.

We thank you for your patience during this high-volume period. We understand that parking may pose a challenge during the first few weeks of the semester, but by utilizing the tools available and planning ahead, your commute can be a seamless one!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us parking@montclair.edu

Don’t forget, parking on campus requires a parking permit at all times. So please purchase your permit. (Visitors park in the Red Hawk Parking Deck on an hourly rate.)