Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Surviving the new term’s parking crunch

Photos and story by James Hill

Another term’s about to begin, but do you know where to park?

At each of the campuses there are places students can park and places they shouldn’t, and knowing just where to park can save you plenty of headaches. Remember that having a permit doesn’t guarantee a spot in the general parking areas and side streets. Here are some tips to make your commute easier:

• If you must drive, remember the first two weeks of school are always the busiest, so get to campus as early as possible to ensure finding a space. Parking availability always improves after the initial weeks.
• You have the entire first week of the term to get a parking permit, since permits are not checked the first week of classes. But be careful – portions of the lots are reserved for PCC staff, so make sure to check the ends of each row to see if you’re in the right place.
• There are also one-day and carpool permits available, and plenty of handicapped accessible spaces.
• Permits can be obtained through the business office at anytime or at the bookstores for the first two weeks of the term. An parking permit table will be set up for the first week between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day at the Sylvania Campus’ upper mall in the CC Building.

Alternative Transportation

If driving doesn’t suit you, try PCC’s free shuttle van service, which runs between 6 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Vans travel to each of the campuses and training centers on almost an hourly basis. Capacity is limited on shuttles and bicycle racks and wheelchair lifts are available (call ahead to ensure this service).

Also, Tri-Met has bus routes to each of the campuses. For Tri-Met information, call 503-238-7433.