Appendix I - Transportation Services

WWU is committed to supporting sustainable transportation options and reducing automobile-dependent transportation. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to utilize the variety of transportation options available and minimize the use of motor vehicles. Alternatives to driving alone include walking, bicycling, public transit, park and ride, and ride sharing. The Sustainable Transportation Office offers information and assistance to help students find the transportation options that best fit their needs while attending Western Washington University. WWU is bordered by residential neighborhoods within easy walking distance of downtown, and is well served by public transportation. For information, contact Western’s Sustainable Transportation program at 360-650-7960, transportation@wwu.edu or go to www.wwu.edu/transportation.

Western Student Transportation

The student transportation program provides transportation resources for students including a Viking Xpress Bus Pass for each student*, Student Shuttle service, and a student Alternative Transportation Coordinator. The program is funded by a $26.25 quarterly Student Transportation Fee. For more information, visit the student transportation website at www.wwu.edu/transportation.

*Students taking 6 or more credits are automatically assessed the $26.25 Student Transportation Fee; students taking 1-5 credits can opt in to the student transportation program by paying the fee. Fee and eligibility do not apply to courses offered through Extended Education online or off-site classes or non-credit programs.

Student Bus Pass

The Student bus pass is valid for unlimited rides on all Whatcom Transportation Authority bus routes, including routes serving the Lincoln Creek Transportation Center and the 80X route serving Mount Vernon and Bellingham. Eligible students must go to the Western Card office to have the bus pass encoded on their ID card for each academic year and summer quarter. Lost or damaged ID cards can be replaced at the Western Card office for a fee of $8.00.

Student Shuttle

The WWU Student Shuttle is a late night bus service that operates during the academic year and is open only to Western students. A valid Western ID card is required to board. The shuttle system consists of two routes that serve WWU, Downtown Bellingham, Bill McDonald Parkway, Lincoln Creek Transportation Center, and Lakeway Center. The shuttle stops at all WTA bus stops along its route, but does not serve WTA’s Downtown Station. Instead, the shuttle stops on Railroad Avenue just outside the WTA station.

Walking

WWU is located within a mile of the Bellingham Central Business District and is surrounded by friendly residential neighborhoods. The campus is accessible via trails and an extensive sidewalk network through the neighborhoods. Walking is the cheapest way to go, and for trips of less than a mile, walking from door to door is usually just as fast as driving, parking and walking.

Bicycles

Bellingham is a featured bicycle destination, and the community supports bicycle transportation. With more than 900 bike racks adjacent to residence halls and academic buildings, you are encouraged to bring your bicycle to Western. There are some restrictions on bicycling in campus pedestrian areas during high-traffic times. The WWU Bicycle Commuting Guide and Washington state bicycle traffic laws are available at http://www.wwu.edu/transportation. Bicycles can be registered at no charge with University Police at the Campus Services Building. Register your bike to increase the chance of having your bike returned to you in the event it lost or stolen and then recovered. Bicycle locks, lights, parts and repair assistance are available at the Outdoor Center bike shop in the Viking Union.

Public transit

Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) provides safe, high-quality, cost-effective, and accessible public transportation. WTA offers WWU convenient service with multiple routes Monday-Sunday. Routes serving Western connect with other routes at the downtown Bellingham Transit Station including regional transit connections at Skagit Station in Mount Vernon. Evening service connects WWU with other Bellingham destinations until 10 p.m. seven days a week. Easy to use bike racks are installed on every WTA bus. For WTA route and schedule information, call 360-676-RIDE or visit www.ridewta.com.

Persons with disabilities service

All WTA buses (except emergency backup vehicles) are wheelchair accessible. Transit service is available for those unable to access or use fixed route buses through WTA Specialized Transportation by calling (360) 733-1144 (TTY call (360) 676-6844).

Park and Ride

The off-campus Lincoln Creek Transportation Center is convenient to Interstate 5 and a 10-minute bus ride to the center of campus. WTA routes serve the park and ride lot, providing a convenient alternative for parking on or near campus.

Parking Services

Parking Services is located in the Campus Services Building at the intersection of Bill McDonald Parkway and 21st Street, at the south end of campus. Parking Services hours are 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Parking space is limited and parking regulations are strictly enforced. Anyone using campus parking facilities are required to purchase and display a valid University parking permit on any motorized vehicle. Drivers are encouraged to become familiar with the University parking and traffic regulations.

Quarterly and Annual Parking Permits

Early application is highly advised but does not guarantee a permit for all students who apply. Parking permit applications for Fall Quarter are available online the last week of May, with a deadline of July 31st. Applications are available by mail upon request. Parking assignments are based on credits on file with WWU at the end of Spring Quarter 2013 and the date submitted. Students that do not live on campus may apply for the C lots on the south end of campus, which is about a 10-minute walk from the center of campus. A daily short-term parking permit may be purchased at Parking Services for those needing to drive occasionally. Also, see visitor parking below.

Parking for Persons with Disabilities

Parking access throughout the campus is available to those with state disability permits. A WWU permit is also required at the same price as a regular permit during business hours. Accessibility guides to the WWU campus are available at Parking Services. For further information, contact Parking Services.

Parking for Visitors/Temporary Parking/Loading and Unloading

Visitors may purchase a permit at Parking Services, pay at a meter or use a pay station in lots 6V, 12A or C all hours of the day. Pay stations in other G lots are available at 4:30, Monday through Friday, and all hours on the weekend. A 20 minute unloading/loading permit can be obtained at Parking Services at no charge. For information on arranging guest parking, contact Parking Services.

Evening/After Hours and Metered Parking

In addition to daily regulations, a permit is required evenings Monday-Friday 4:30PM-7AM and all day on weekends. Lots are enforced as posted on the sign at the entrance to each lot. You may obtain a permit at the pay stations located throughout the campus or pay to park in a metered space. Parking is available in the C and 12A gravel lots with no permit required Monday-Friday 4:30PM to 7AM and all day on weekends. Disability accessible spaces always require a valid state disability permit. Payment is always required at meters; permits are not valid for parking in a metered space. Students with a valid bus pass may obtain an After-Hours permit at Parking Services.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding maps, regulations, visitor or event parking, fees, citations, etc; please visit us at http://www.wwu.edu/ps/parking. For additional questions regarding parking on campus or parking permits please call 360-650-2945 or e-mail us at Parking@wwu.edu.