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Facilities News

Traffic Tips and Parking Pointers

Tools to tackle the traffic at the beginning of the fall 2015 semester.

Posted in: Parking News

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

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

Did You Get Your Permit?

To park any vehicle on campus, a permit must be associated to the vehicle. You may purchase your permit online or in office and register up to four vehicles! Be certain that your vehicles are registered so we know that they belong to you and remember … only one vehicle on campus with any one permit. View more details about getting your permit.

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.

You May Have Noticed Some Changes

Recent parking reconfiguration has resulted in 300 additional spaces for commuter student use during the busiest times. Here is specific information:

Commuter Parking:

  • Lot 60 has been expanded to allow for more Commuter parking that is off campus and out of traffic.

Beat the Traffic. Come Early. Get Free Breakfast!

Come in early! Parking Services, alongside the Center for Student Involvement, will be hosting a Parking $ucks (pronounced “Bucks”) event in Lot 60 near the shuttle stop. We will have lawn games and will be hosting a raffle in support of the MSU Food Pantry. Bring a donation and you are eligible for one entry towards a prize. September 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. come grab some breakfast and coffee! Raffle begins at 10:00am. Relax before your classes to 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 Lots 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.

It’s Crowded, Out There!

Remember, lots of people are returning to the roads in 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

Follow us on Twitter @MSUParking. We provide regular updates to provide you with the most accurate reporting.

We’ve Got The Apps To Help

In the words of News12: “Know before you go!” The Parker App helps you know where the parking spaces are and Nextbus tells you when the next shuttle will arrive at your shuttle stop.

Parker

Download the Parker App. Parker provides a live feed of lot closures and space availability to better assist with maneuvering about the campus. Accessing the Parker app will assist with making parking decisions before coming to campus.

Nextbus

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 Montclair State Shuttle System.

Mass Transit!

Consider leaving your car at home and try using public transit. Montclair State 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 NJ Transit monthly passes! View details.

Not sure which bus or train to take? We can help!

Try carpooling. Use Montclair State’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@mail.montclair.edu

Don’t forget, parking on campus requires a parking permit at all times. So please purchase your permit.