TRANSPORTATION

COMMUTER TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION is located on this page below (click here)

CALIFORNIA DRIVERS LICENSE

The State of California's Department of Motor Vehicles requires a California Driver's License if you are a California resident - even if you have an international license (although an international license is valid for one year in California). You are considered to be a California resident (for driving purposes only) if you have rented an apartment, are being paid any money and will be paying income tax, or are going to school in California. You must be at least age 16 to apply for a license.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a written test. At that time they will issue a temporary license good until you take the road test. No appointment is necessary for the written test, but you must make an appointment for the road test and provide a car in which to take the test. Copies of the DMV Drivers Handbook can be obtained by calling the DMV. The California Driver's License also serves as identification when cashing a check.

The DMV office closest to Salk is in Clairemont, at 4375 Derrick Drive. It is located just east of Genesee Avenue, two blocks north of Balboa Avenue. The telephone number is (619) 565-6691. There are other locations throughout the County. Check the White Pages of the telephone directory for the location nearest you.

ID FOR NON-DRIVERS

The DMV will issue a non-driver's I.D. card. This is a very convenient form of identification, as a passport is not always recognized for local transactions such as cashing checks or for proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages.

SEAT BELT LAW

Since January 1986, drivers and all passengers are required to wear seat belts. A fine will apply if you do not comply with this law. Children under 40 pounds are required to be in a safety car seat.

MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAW

As of January 1, 1993 motorcyclists and their passengers must wear an appropriate helmet at all times, on all roads and highways.

TICKETS

If you get a "ticket" (citation) for a moving violation (speeding, not stopping at a stop sign, etc.,) you must pay the fine. If it is your first ticket, you may be able to avoid having the "ticket" appear on the DMV computer and an increase in your car insurance rates by going to a driver's education class, offered at many locations, including area community colleges. Information on this alternative is available from the DMV.

DRIVING TO MEXICO

If you are taking your car to Mexico, be sure to buy Mexican car insurance. If you are in an accident and have no Mexican insurance, it will be assumed that you are at fault, and the police may take you to jail. It is therefore advised that you purchase the insurance. You will see places to buy insurance on the side of the road just before the Mexican border.

CAR THEFT

San Diego has one of the highest levels of automobile theft in the United States. It makes good sense here to observe basic precaution with your car:

• Always close and lock your car, no matter how briefly you will be away. Don't leave the key in the ignition.
• When you park your car at night, always try to park in a well-lighted area.
• There are also many different security devices for sale, such as car alarms and the "Club", that will provide greater protection for your car. The purchase of some of these devices may make your insurance rates lower; ask your insurance company about this.

CAR INSURANCE

Insurance coverage is required of all automobile drivers in the State of California. Some insurance carriers will require an official copy of your driving record from your home country. Automobile insurance coverage and premiums can vary considerably between firms. You may want to consider coverage that includes road service and provides detailed maps. Ask for complete, specific, and comparative quotes. If you buy a car from an automobile dealer, note that you do not have to accept the insurance coverage that they offer. Check the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory under "insurance" for a complete listing of insurance agents in the San Diego area.

RENTING A CAR

You can rent a car with a major credit card and a driver's license (either an International License or one from another state). The best bet is to call around -- some less expensive rates are available from companies that advertise inexpensive rates over attractive or newer model cars (e.g., Rent-A-Wreck).

One company located nearby that offers reasonable weekly rates is Seven Days Rent-A-Car. They are located at 8380 Miramar Mall (455-1644) and will deliver the rental car to the Institute.

BRINGING A CAR TO THE U.S. (e.g., by ship, or by driving here from Mexico or Canada):

The car must meet the U. S. standards for smog control (including the more restrictive standards in California). Permission must be obtained in advance from the U. S. authorities in order to import a vehicle.

BUYING A USED CAR

There are disadvantages and advantages in buying a used automobile. The advantage is the price if a good choice is made. The disadvantage is that the risk factor is high because it is difficult to predict the performance of a used car. It may become a very costly item.

Minimizing the Risk

• Spend time shopping around, and in researching the market place.
• Try to ask for advice from someone who has purchased a satisfactory used car.
• Find out which models are the most trouble-free. The "Blue-Book" and Consumer Reports (April Auto issue) and good references (available in libraries).
• Consult advertisements in the local newspapers for sales by private individuals. You can bargain for a better price from a private person. Beware of dealers who pose as private parties. Advertisements appear each week in the "San Diego Union Tribune", "La Jolla Light", "Reader", and "Los Angeles Times". The "Auto Trader" is a catalog of used cars for sale. It is sold at 7/11 stores.
• Get a reputable mechanic's report.
• You should refer to the DMV Drivers Handbook for specific requirements to transfer ownership into your name.

MAPS

"Thomas Brothers" map books and other detailed maps of San Diego and California are sold in bookstores and at Costco.

Helping to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion through reduction of single occupancy vehicles for commuting is a primary objective of The Salk Institute. We encourage the use of carpools, vanpools, public transit, commuter rail, bicycling, telecommuting (working at home) and walking to work.

The Salk Institute Transportation Spending Account (TSA) allows you to set aside money for eligible transportation expenses on a pre-tax basis. This would allow you to save money on federal and state income taxes, by reducing your taxable income. For on-line information about this benefit, click-here.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET

For information on carpooling, trolley, bicycling, coaster, bus transit and more, visit the RideLink website.

VANPOOLS

A vanpool is a 14 passenger vehicle where employees from one or several companies ride together and split the costs. We are currently working with UCSD who has 25 vanpools coming from various locations in the county. If you need more information regarding prices, waiting lists and insurance, please call Annette at ext. 1000. Most monthly fares range from $46 - $80 per month. Work hours are generally 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for UCSD vans.

Website: Vanpool information

CARPOOLING

Carpooling is riding with one or more other commuters. You can choose to be the driver, rider or share and split the costs. If you need a ridesharing matchlist, call RideLink at (619) 237-POOL.

Website: Carpool information

BICYCLING

We have many regular bikers at The Salk Institute. For bike route or other related information, call 619-231-2453. All bus routes now have bike racks. Coaster rail cars and the trolley also have space for bikes. Here at Salk, showers are available for staff member's use in the east end of the North Building. (men's at basement level, women's at 4th floor level - 3rd floor is ground level). To obtain a locker, call Facility Services.

Website: Information about taking bikes on San Diego Buses, Trolley, and Coaster

Website: General information for bike commuting in San Diego

Website: Bike Locker information

TELECOMMUTING

Telecommuting, when you work at home, is a sure way to cut down on air pollution and traffic congestion. This option is at the discretion of your supervisor.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

For detailed bus, trolley and coaster schedule and trip planning information visit the MTS website.

Transit Passes:

Monthly transit passes can be purchased online at the MTS website or at the UCSD cashier on the corner of Gilman & Myers, building #401, 534-3725, (Mon.- Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

COAST EXPRESS RAIL

The "Coaster" rail line runs from Oceanside to San Diego, with stops in Carlsbad(2), Encinitas, Solana Beach, Sorrento Valley, and Old Town. Sorrento Valley is the stop closest to the Salk Institute, a free shuttle bus is provided to get you to and from the Sorrento Station. Schedules are available online at the MTS website.

UCSD TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES OFFICE

For information on free UCSD campus shuttle use or bicycle routes on campus, please call 534-4235. Shuttle route maps are also available in the Safety Office. If you possess a UCSD ID and want to use San Diego Transit buses then you can obtain a free sticker at the UCSD Transportation Alternatives Office. These stickers are valid on San Diego Transit Routes 30, 34, 34A, 41, 50, 51.

Website: UCSD/SDT Bus Stickers

Website: UCSD Medical School Shuttle

GUARANTEED RIDE HOME SERVICE

The regional GRH program provides an emergency ride home to commuters who carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, or use transit to get to work at least three times per week. To be eligible, you must register with RideLink by completing and signing an application form prior to needing the service. Don’t wait until you have an emergency to enroll!

Website: Guaranteed Emergency Ride Home Service

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

If you would like further information on ridesharing and/or the pre-tax Transportation Spending Account please contact Becky Gilbert or Joanne Arellano.

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