With the influx of gas prices, cost of living, and now tuition, it’s at times quite difficult to get to campus – especially for those who live far from Daly City. While the Bay Area does have its share of public transportation methods, most of all of them are slow, unreliable, expensive, or all of the above. Not all areas are safe, in particular late at night, therefore it is good practice to have a plan and to know where to go to feel safe when you are getting from point A to point B.
Caltrain1, which operates in the peninsula and goes all the way from San Jose up to San Francisco 4th and King, is the biggest culprit of this, with almost daily delays and a one-way ticket costing upwards of $10. While there is work being done on the tracks and constant weekend shutdowns or mechanical failures if not tragic accidents, riders can expect extensive delays and at times need to make other arrangements to get to their destinations. To add to the frustration, Caltrain on average runs about once an hour, so if you miss your train, you will have a long wait until the next one.
Bart2 services trains more frequently, however even the newer trains are not upkept all that well, and can also be prone to service disruptions. Trips could potentially take longer than anticipated as well due to heat waves (which could very well still occur now that we are in September, also known as fire season in California) that force conductors to slow down the trains, and otherwise. If a station does have a restroom…best to steer clear as far away as possible from those. Safety is probably the biggest concern for Bart users, particularly those using the trains later at night. The upside of it is that it reaches a somewhat larger area, connects directly with Caltrain in Millbrae, is a bit more affordable, and SFSU has a free shuttle students can take from the Daly City Bart station that will take them directly to campus. It’s a bit outdated, sure, but it is fast and for the most part, can be expected to get there on time.
Then, there’s Muni3 – have time for some scenic views and a rail system that will get you around the entirety of San Francisco with its variety of light rail and bus lines? Muni is a great option for that, and for only $2.50 per day, it’s very affordable. If there is a downside, it’s only that you might need to give yourself a bit more time to get to your destination. The good news though, is that there is a stop directly at the front of campus, which makes for easier accessibility. To someone who has not used Muni before, it might at first seem a bit intimidating with how many different lines there are, but overall it is very straightforward and will get you anywhere you need to go.
SamTrans4 is another system that covers a large base of San Mateo County, parts of San Francisco and Palo Alto. SFSU students can ride for free by showing their student ID. Buses are a great alternative for getting around locally, however because buses make so many stops, it is imperative to give yourself plenty of time for your trip, and to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings, particularly if traveling at late hours. This is true for every method of public transport, as well as walking and driving or using rideshares.
Whether you are taking a car, bus, or any of the aforementioned public transportation methods to school, it can be a lot to navigate. Staying safe both on and off campus is always a top priority, so if you are able, having a buddy system does wonders – or at the least, have someone on the phone with you if you feel safer doing so. It is important to remember there are resources and numbers you can speed dial if you need assistance. As per cost, if you have not already, try to see if you are eligible for the OneCard! It is an all-in-one, along with your library card and student ID card, and it essentially lets you ride most public transport for free in the area. More information on this can be found here: https://onecard.sfsu.edu/
Resources:
SFSU Police Department: https://upd.sfsu.edu/html/crime_prevention
Safe Zone Program: https://safezone.sfsu.edu/
Food + Shelter + Success: https://basicneeds.sfsu.edu/
Footnotes:
- Caltrain: https://www.caltrain.com
- Bart: https://www.bart.gov
- Muni: https://www.sfmta.com/muni-transit
- SamTrans: https://www.samtrans.com