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Options: Alternative transport to avoid paid parking

Parking has become a point of contention among staff and students at the University of Canberra, but there are other options.

In 2014, the University of Canberra introduced paid parking for staff and students to promote the use of public transport. It was a big change for students, but not all hope was lost. Whilst parking at the University has become just that little bit more difficult, there are other options.

Option 1 – Public Transport:
Yes, Canberra has a public transport system. It is a lightweight when compared to the intricate railway systems, tramlines and bus routes that cities like Sydney and Melbourne boast, but it is quite reliable.

There are approximately 106 suburbs in Canberra compared to Sydney’s staggering 667. Taking a bus from one side of Canberra to the other is not a complicated or time-consuming exercise.

University of Canberra student Andrew Munro relies on Action buses to get to and from the university.

“I have to take two buses to get from Calwell, and it takes me an hour and a bit,” Munro said.

Taking the bus is also a cheaper option. With student fares costing $1.53 for a single way on a MyWay card or $2.40 for a one-way cash fare, it is far cheaper than parking and petrol.

Munro believes if he had a car he would still take the bus due to the cost of driving.

“I would still take the bus because I think that fuel and parking would be an issue for me,” said Munro.

Option 2 – Ride a Bike:
This option is even less expensive than taking the bus, although it is a little more taxing on the body.

In a city full of cyclists, Canberra has plenty of bike paths and bicycle lanes to get you from point A to point B on two wheels.

From Canberra’s southern suburb Banks, it is approximately 35km to UC on a bike, which is a fair distance. But once again, Action bus is there to assist.

Action has an initiative called Bike & Ride. Cyclists have the option to ride to a stop that have bike cages and lockers or to take it on the bus and use the bike racks.

Standard fares apply without any additional fees for the use of the bike and ride facilities.

Option 3 – Road Trip:image1
There are two certainties in student life, it is a time to make friends and everyone loves a good road trip. Why not combine the two everyday?

Get a group of friends together, jump in a car together every morning and road trip it to school via your favourite café.

The cost of parking for at the University is $7.50 for seven or more hours. Divide that by you and three mates you are looking at $2.37 a day for parking. This is a small price to pay for a rockin’ road trip everyday.

So there are three alternative transport options to avoid paying for parking at UC. Remember, if you cannot change it, live with it.

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