University of California - BerkeleyTransportation Summary

Written by Meegan Brooks

Meegan Brooks

Hometown

Granite Bay, CA

Major

Political science

View all previous student authors

Most students agree that Berkeley’s extensive public transportation network makes it easy to survive without a car. Every Cal student is given an AC transit bus pass, which makes it easy to get around the university area. While buses run much less frequently at night, most buses come every 15-30 minutes during the day. This pass also gives students access to the Transbay (F) line, which goes to Emeryville and San Francisco every hour. For those willing to spend the few dollars on a BART ticket, getting across the bay is even easier. BART is an 80-mile-per-hour rail system that connects many points in the Bay Area, and comes every seven to fifteen minutes. Unlike the F line, whose only San Francisco stop is the Greyhound station, BART can take students to many places in the city. This makes it easy for students to work part-time in the city or just to go away for a nice dinner.

Because Berkeley is on a hill, many students prefer walking to riding a bike. Also, high theft rates and dismount zones add to the hassle of using bikes. Many students prefer to walk, describing the uphill trek to class as something just short of a workout.