Your Guide for Commuting to CPP

Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) is considered a commuter school by many students, so it is no surprise most of us have run into traffic or parking issues more than a few times. Whether you’re stuck in 15 or 50 minutes of traffic, here are some ways to manage the drive to campus, parking, and alternative ways to get to campus. 

Commuting by Car: Before You Go 

First and foremost, check a transportation app like Waze or Google Maps before leaving. All it takes is unexpected construction or some other delay to ruin your day from the start. Almost every navigation app has specific parameters you can set, such as avoiding toll roads, fuel efficiency, and avoiding freeways.  

In addition to this, you should research your route or local area to recognize where you might hit traffic. As an example, those taking Amar/Temple eastbound towards CPP should note that Mt. Sac is also in attendance along that route, possibly causing more traffic for your commute. 

Next, a playlist or music playlist on Spotify helps. Always remember to make sure you have your playlist set before you begin your drive. Spotify Premium is also a lifesaver due to its unlimited skips, and splitting a family account amongst your family and friends allows for a cheap, affordable option. Spotify Premium has a student discount as well, giving you several ways to save money. 

Also, keep in mind of the time and days you attend campus, as it can affect parking. According to CPP Parking and Transportation Services (PTS), peak hours in the morning begin around 8-9 a.m. and peak hours in the afternoon are between 3-5 p.m. Parking information can be found here. 

A final preparation is to give yourself time. While you may want those extra 10 minutes of sleep, it is better to leave early than leave late. Rushing creates a sense of panic and may even lead to dangerous driving, but more on that later. 

In the car 

While you’re behind the wheel, it is important to remember to stay calm and not stress about your commute, even if you’re running late. An article by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that running late is a top cause of aggressive driving and speeding, which resulted in over 12,000 deaths in 2021 alone. 

Furthermore, no matter how far your drive is, you should always practice defensive driving. Defensive driving involves safe driving practices, where one thinks ahead to promote driver safety. Some tactics of defensive driving include situational awareness, giving yourself a large gap between you and the car ahead of you, and having an escape route in the event of a crash. 

Bringing back the music and podcast tips from earlier, it is better to have your songs queued up for later. A simple distraction like skipping songs on the radio or phone can cause a brief, but impactful distraction. A quick look down may cause you to rear end a car or miss your turn just cause you wanted to change your song. 

When you get to campus 

If you cannot find parking as soon as you get to campus, don’t get discouraged. While it may be a longer walk than you’d like, there are usually open spots in places like Parking Structure 2. It is also important to check if you’re allowed to park in a lot or garage, as there are certain lots exclusive to staff/faculty, visitors, or residents. 

Generally, the closer to the main campus center, the faster it fills up. Essentially if you have a lecture at noon, parking at Parking Structure 1 or Parking Lot J3-J8 may not be the most ideal option. Choosing one of the surrounding lots around campus minimizes the time it takes when looking for a parking spot. 

On the topic of parking, please recall the peak parking hours and realize a spot where you park on campus at one time of the day may not be there another time. 

Before you leave to go to class, make one final check around your vehicle. Make sure you activate your parking brake, turn headlights off on older models, lock your car doors, and most importantly, make sure your keys are not locked into your car. Though the University Police Department (UPD) can help you with this, it is best to avoid this annoying situation. 

Other ways to get to campus 

If the drive to campus is not feasible for you, CPP offers many other ways to get to campus. Perhaps the most well-known is the Foothill Transit Class Pass TAP Card which allows students to get free rides via a Foothill Transit bus. Foothill Transit currently runs 35 routes servicing the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas. Outside of taking the bus to campus, students can also use their Class Pass TAP Card to visit Downtown LA or plenty of other destinations. Some of the stops along the various routes include West Covina, Walnut, and San Dimas. Students can pick up their Class Pass TAP Card for free at the BRIC front desk. The full list of routes can be found here. 

You can also activate your Metrolink Student Adventure Pass, which provides free transit for college students along any of Metrolink’s routes. Students can get their Adventure Pass using the Metrolink app. After following the verification steps and logging in through your student email address, the pass will be available in the mobile ticket wallet within the app. Metrolink currently runs eight lines across southern California, including stops just as close as Covina and Baldwin Park, or even further to San Fernando Valley and San Diego County. Because of its proximity to many college campuses, students can also use their Adventure Pass to visit friends at Cal State LA or UC Riverside. All destinations and routes for Metrolink are available here. 

Will you use these tips on your next drive to CPP? Let us know on our social media @ASICPP on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok!