TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

September 18, 2024

Alternate text

ALL STUDENTS AT UC SAN DIEGO

Back to School Transportation Checklist

On behalf of Parking and Commuter Services, welcome to UC San Diego! We’ve compiled this convenient checklist to prepare you to affordably and efficiently move around campus and the community.

As a rule, parking permits are only available for commuter students with junior standing or higher. For details, explore many efficient and low-impact transportation options outlined in our Transportation Guide for New Tritons.

We encourage you to do the following before you arrive on campus:

  1. Get the Spin app for shared bikes and scooters.
  • Check out Spin’s new quarterly ride pass program. Learn more.
  • Use code TRITON5 to get $5 off when you create an account with an “ucsd.edu” email address.
  • Sign up for Spin Access. If you have a Pell Grant, participate in Cal Fres ,or receive benefits through a local, state or federal program for low-income individuals, you can ride for just $0.10 per minute with Spin Access.
  • If you don’t have a pass, E-scooters cost $1 to unlock and $0.30 per minute to ride.
  1. Sign up for Enterprise CarShare.
  • No membership or application fee required.
  • Enterprise CarShare members ages 18 and older can rent on-campus vehicles for low hourly or daily rates that include fuel and damage/liability protection.
  1. Sign up for U-Pass.
  • Download the PRONTO app and activate your U-Pass.
  • U-Pass on PRONTO provides fare-free, unlimited access to MTS and NCTD buses and trolleys during the fall, winter and spring academic quarters. Learn more.
  1. Get familiar with Triton Transit.
  • Download the TransLoc app to track shuttles in real-time.
  • Triton Transit offers free shuttles that travel among all campus colleges, housing and the SIO area.
  • If you have difficulty walking due to a temporary or permanent condition, check out Triton Mobility and set up your account in the Triton Mobility app.
  1. Sign up with Triton Commuter Club.
  • Meet other commuters and join carpools and vanpools on this network of more than 10,000 students, faculty and staff.
  • Log your trips and earn points and incentives.
  • Learn how to find and join carpools by watching this short informational video on our Instagram.
  1. Protect your bike and your brain.
  • Claim your helmet and U-lock discount codes through the Triton Commuter Club portal.
  • Sign up for free access to enhanced security bike enclosures throughout campus in the Triton Commuter Club portal.
  • Register your bike or scooter. Registration is required and free.
  1. Plan future long-distance trips with FlixBus.
  • Easily travel to Los Angeles, Orange County and more destinations.
  • Access a 10% off discount as a UC San Diego student and check our Instagram and Facebook channels for frequently updated 15% off discount codes.

We offer several options to help make life without a personal vehicle easy; however, if you have extenuating circumstances that require you to have a personal vehicle, you may apply for an exception to purchase a parking permit. Exceptions are rare and must be secured before bringing a vehicle to campus.

Questions? Contact the Parking and Commuter Services office:

  • Call: (858) 534-4223
  • Email: parking@ucsd.edu
  • Virtual office hours: 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekdays (excluding university holidays)

Jennifer Rodgers
Director, Parking and Commuter Services

University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093