Cal State University Monterey Bay offers many options for students to get around campus and the surrounding local areas. Whether you are a student without a car, working toward lowering your carbon footprint, or you simply want a break from driving there are a variety of ways to get from Point A to Point B.
Photo by Jocelyn Corona
The Wave
The Wave is the CSUMB campus shuttle system operating from Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The shuttle system can make traveling from East Campus to Main Campus more doable, as well as making trips across campus quicker.
Students can view shuttle schedules and routes through the Flexigo, making it easier to see when a shuttle is approaching and to plan a trip around campus.
With the weekend service, The Wave goes beyond campus with service to the Dunes Shopping Center. Students can use the trip to do a Target run, grab groceries at Trader Joes, or even watch a movie, all without having to pay for a rideshare, or find someone with a car.
Photo courtesy of Monterey Salinas Transit system
Monterey Salinas Transit
The Monterey Salinas Transit system (MST) offers rides all across the Monterey Salinas area, included within your student fees. When entering the bus simply swipe your Otter ID and your fare is paid!
There are approximately four MST bus stations on campus, giving students easy access to their next destination. These operate starting around 6 a.m. and ending around 10 p.m.
Sand City Beach 17/18 Sand City: get off at Playa Station and walk about five minutes to the beach! About a 20-minute ride.
Monterey Aquarium 17/18 Sand City, ride until Foam Street: arrive at the Aquarium! 1.5 hour ride.
To track the buses, simply use any navigation app (i.e. Google Maps, Apple Maps) and select your desired transit direction. You can also use apps like Transit, to track the bus and its route directly.
Late Night Otter Rides (free Lyft)
Photo courtesy of Lyft
The Late Night Otter Rides program grants students three free Lyft vouchers each month. Although the program has some restrictions, it can be helpful for your late night transportation needs. The ride must take place within a 15-mile radius of campus and in a certain timeline. If the ride meets the criteria then the voucher will be automatically applied and you’ll begin your free ride. Find sign up instructions and other information here.
Whether you are trying to get around campus, explore the Monterey Bay Area or find a ride home late at night, there are a variety of campus transportation options that don’t require owning a car.
Since services such as The Wave, MST and Late Night Otter Rides are included in student fees, knowing they are available and how to use them can help students take advantage of resources they are already paying for.