OHSU Experts: Help!!!!

Published

Specializes in ICU.

Hello! I'm starting my first day at OHSU tomorrow for MSN. I just moved to the area. Took my first drive up to campus this morning (so beautiful!!!)- and was completely overwhelmed with the parking situation. I've read threads on here saying how bad it was- but it was different seeing it for myself.

I've never done public transportation before and don't even know where to start! Was hoping someone knew of a nearby park-n-ride location that I could drive to and then do public transport up the hill? I've tried doing a general google search for Portland park and ride...but not knowing street names and the area- I'm not sure what to put at my starting location. (I now live in Wilsonville- as of yesterday- and really don't want to do public transport from all the way down here.). Please- any suggestions would be much appreciated!! Thanks!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know Wilsonville well, so I'm not sure I can give you good advice on the best way to get up to OHSU from there, but here are some links that may be helpful. Here is a link to the Trimet Park and Rides (where you can leave your car and get a bus) TriMet: Park & Ride Locations

Here is a link to the OHSU website which shows the express buses that run during peak hours (minimal stops, so very convenient for going straight up to the hospital) Transit | Transportation & Parking | OHSU

I used to take the 64, which runs from the Tigard Transit Center, but I'm not sure if that's much help for Wilsonville.

The other helpful link is TriMet: Public Transit in the Portland Area where you can play around and plan your trip, but it can be tricky without knowing the city and your options for reducing your commute time. I think your best bet is to start with the park and ride locations in Wilsonville and then look and see if any of the express buses listed for OHSU run from there. Keep in mind that the express buses only run from about 6 am until 8:30 am and then again after 3 pm until about 6:30, so if your class finishes early, you will be stuck on campus.

Another helpful tip is that you can buy your Trimet ticket ahead of time with an app if you have a smartphone. Once you get your student ID and decide whether it's worth buying a season bus pass, you won't have to worry about bus tickets, but for your first day it might be useful.

You may already know all of this already, but if not, I hope it's helpful. Good luck tomorrow!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Thank you so much!! I've seen most of those websites. I'm actually fine driving myself into Portland- as close to school as I can. It's just the parking I'm concerned with (especially for orientation tomorrow). What I wasn't sure how to do is find out when the buses stop at the park-n-ride locations. I saw the list of those locations...but can't figure out how to find when the buses stop there. Any idea how to do that?

Also- how can I just pay for 1 day tomorrow? Cash when I get on the bus? Credit card on the bus? Or does it need to be online?

Thanks for responding!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

So I did a little more research from the sites you listed. (Thanks!!) So if I drive from Wilsonville to the Barbur transit center and park there...the 64 bus comes through there and goes to the hill. My new question is how much time do I need to give this route? I need to be to the SON around 0830. Which time should I aim for? (How long will the bus from here take to get to the school?)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OK, so I think the Trimet bus stop ID near the nursing school is 9488. If I'm wrong about this, then this is the number for the bus stop at the main hospital, which is a few stops later, so you'll still be ok. Just ask the bus driver (or the person sitting next to you on the bus wearing scrubs) to tell you where to get off. Just put the arrival time you need into the Trimet Transit Tracker for that bus stop ID, along with bus number 64, leaving from Barbur Transit Center, and you should get there on time. The express buses are reliable and generally run on time (giver or take 5 minutes or so). As for buying the ticket, as I said, the best option is to download the app on a smartphone and buy it via a credit card that way, then just show your ticket on your phone to the driver. You can also download the Trimet Transit Tracker App which will tell you when the next #64 is due to arrive and how long your wait time will be. If you don't have a smart phone, I'm not sure where you go to buy a ticket. I guess your best bet is to check the Trimet website and find out from there. I think you can buy a ticket on the bus, but you have to have the exact fare. Hope this answers some of your questions. Good luck tomorrow.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Matsalleh- thank you!!! Downloaded the app and bought my first ticket! I'll be a pro in no time! ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion