April 6, 2016
Below is an update to on CSUN’s efforts to address issues raised by the campus community in response to the fall 2015 semester question on parking.
Transit
CSUN is engaged on a number of fronts to improve transit to/from campus. The university is in discussions with Metro, LADOT, key transportation stakeholders, policymakers (including Mayor Garcetti and State Senator Bob Hertzberg), and the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA) regarding CSUN transportation needs. CSUN is working with LA City Councilmember Mitchell Englander’s office to bring the Northridge Neighborhood DASH to the CSUN Transit Station – a move supported by an LADOT feasibility study. CSUN has also met with Santa Clarita Transit representatives regarding service between Santa Clarita and the CSUN transit station. CSUN and Metro staff are collaborating on joint marketing initiatives, including campus-specific outreach, information kiosks, upgrading the transit station, and promoting TAP card use by the CSUN community. CSUN has volunteered to be a pilot location for a program with Metrolink that addresses “first-mile/last-mile” issues with services like Uber and Lyft. “First-mile/last-mile” is the gap between the starting point or destination and the transit mode that is used. CSUN provides public transit subsidies to faculty, staff and students, as well as a vanpool subsidy.
In the spring 2016 semester, the Associated Students soft-launched Zimride, which uses social media to facilitate ride match connections. This service is planned for full roll-out by the fall 2016 semester and will be available to students, faculty, and staff. In addition, high demand of the ZipCar car-sharing service has resulted in an increase in the fleet of cars allocated to CSUN.
Bicycle Safety
Locked Matador bicycle compounds provide excellent bicycle security. Operated by CSUN’s Department of Police Services, these compounds are located in the B3, B5 and G3 parking structures, and there are also several in the Student Housing area. Bicyclists are encouraged to register their bicycles with the Department of Police Services. Both services are provided free of charge. Additionally, since 2013, the Campus Quality fee has funded the purchase and installation on campus of 50 bike racks and 10 skateboard racks. Talks are ongoing with LADOT and community leaders to create bike lanes along more area streets, including Zelzah Avenue.
Pedestrian Safety
CSUN’s program to improve pedestrian safety is ongoing, and LED lighting is a key component. LED lights have been installed in the following areas: B4 parking lot; Jacaranda Walk; Cleary Walk; Lindley Walk; University Hall exterior; and adjacent to Chicano House, and will soon be added at Matador Drive and Prairie Street. A new sidewalk with LED lighting has been installed on Plummer Street east of Darby Avenue, and CSUN has proposed a traffic light at Darby Avenue and Plummer Street. We are currently working with the City of Los Angeles to obtain the entitlements necessary for reconstruction of the intersection at Plummer and Darby, to include a traffic light. This would improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and bus access. This is a major project and the campus is investigating potential fund sources.
Vehicular Safety
The Department of Police Services promotes traffic safety through education and enforcement. Programs such as Click it or Ticket (seatbelt violations), Hang it Up (cell phone use while driving) and Project PED (Pedestrian Education and Deterrence) are generally conducted every semester. Each program includes one week of education with signage placed around campus and warnings from police officers, followed by a week of enforcement, during which police officers cite violators for observed offenses. The Police Services’ Traffic Safety Unit consists of two specially trained motor officers who focus on traffic safety issues. LED speed limit signs are utilized to remind drivers of the speed limit. During 2015, CSUN police officers wrote over 200 traffic citations for speeding, stop sign violations, failure to yield to pedestrians, and cellphone use on campus roadways and perimeter streets.
Traffic Control is provided by parking enforcement officers and police officers. During peak traffic hours, officers are positioned at highly congested intersections to assist with traffic flow and to safely cross pedestrians. Recent improvements include lighted crosswalks and signage.
Parking
CSUN has introduced a 50% reduced parking permit for the F10 lot, with shuttle service to the main campus. A study is underway on possible construction of a new parking structure in the G6 area. To help address neighborhood concerns about student parking in adjacent residential areas, reduced-cost, short-term parking is available on campus. Those who do not need a full-day $6 parking permit can pay $4 for two hours or $5 for four hours in the F5 parking lot, G3 lot, G3 structure, or G4 parking lot. CSUN Parking is currently evaluating proposals and options for a car count system, an app, and exterior signage to direct drivers to available parking spaces. CSUN has shifted courses to night and 15% on Saturday, thereby alleviating some of the congestion during ‘normal business hours.’
Shuttle Service
Shuttle service is provided by an outside company. Complaints pertaining to drivers are immediately submitted to the contractor company. Issues and questions may be directed to the CSUN Transportation Coordinator via email.