UMKC’s green transportation initiatives include integrating student, faculty and staff all-access bus passes, increasing the number of bike racks and amenities, and developing a multi-modal parking structure to support cycling, bus commuting, pedestrians, ride-share and alternative fuel vehicles.
The university participates in a group of 17 partners that received a $15 million U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Initiative grant from the Recovery Act. The grant will support the installation of a variety of refueling stations and aid in the deployment of more than 300 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles
The ZIP Car is here!
Zipcar is available to all UMKC students 18+, faculty and staff. Zipcar is wheels when you want them, literally. With Zipcars parked on campus, all you have to do is decide where you want to go and when. Zipcar’s cutting edge technology allows you to reserve cars 24/7, online or on your mobile device. Low hourly and daily rates include gas, insurance, and 180 miles per day. Why deal with having a car on campus? Find out more at zipcar.com/umkc or find us on facebook.
Electric Truck
Through a grant from the Clean Cities Initiative, UMKC purchased a Smith Electric Vehicles Newton electric truck for pick up and delivery of campus recycling.
Wrapped with a design that promotes sustainability on campus using the UMKC Sustainability logo, the Newton truck is powered by the latest Lithium-Ion batteries and a 120kw electric motor, has a top speed of 50mph (80km) and a range in excess of 100 miles (160km) on a full charge. It can be recharged in six hours.
Newton was launched in the UK by Smith Electric Vehicles in 2006. It is produced in North America by Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation, based in Kansas City, Mo.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Electric carts have been purchased to replace two cars used on campus. When possible, UMKC will buy its own E-85 vehicles and provide the appropriate fuel for these flexible-fuel cars.
Clean Commute Program
UMKC now has 50 bicycles for the bike commute program. The bikes are loaned out and can be chained to one of the 20 bike racks now installed on campus.
Initially supported through a two-year grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation, UMKC has assumed responsibility with assistance from Bridging the Gap. Click here for the bike and commuter map. Also check out our Google bike map to find repair locations and bike racks.
- Obtained funding through Missouri Department of Transportation
- Added 26 loaner bikes in 2008 to encourage reduced car trips on campus
- Opened The Hub in 2008 with on-site bike mechanic
- Developed bike map and added conveniently located bike racks
- Transitioned to Swinney Recreation Center as a UMKC in-house program in 2010
KCATA Bus Pass for Students
UMKC students voted to pass the Student Transportation Fee Referendum on Feb. 15-17, 2011. Beginning in fall 2011, students will pay a $14-per-semester fee for an all-access transit pass on the Kansas City Transportation Authority (KCATA) bus service. There is a cap of $28 annually for the fee.
An all-access bus pass regularly costs individuals $50 a month so this is quite a savings for UMKC students. The all-access bus pass not only offers students an economic advantage, but also has the potential to reduce UMKC’s carbon footprint through increased ridership. Click here for our bus route map. As of July 1, 2012 Troost Max and 25-Troost has expanded its routes. For more information follow this link: Troost Max and 25-Troost Route Changes
Below is the final result for the New Student Transportation Fee Referendum:
Yes—1405
No—843
Undecided—19
Total Votes: 2,267
KCATA Employee Trip Program
We are happy to announce UMKC’s participation in KC Metro’s TRIP (Transit Riders’ Incentive Plan) – a way for employees to reduce parking expenses and car maintenance costs, improve air quality and increase transportation convenience. Employee Benefits Based on a minimum participation in this pilot program, employees will enjoy the savings and benefits immediately:
- Your monthly unlimited ride pass will automatically cost you a $12 less per month. When you pay for your pass through payroll deduction, that amount is exempt from payroll taxes.
- Your commuting cost is lowered by at least *$650 a year. (*Based on AAA 2004 average cost per mile of 14.1 for gasoline, automobile maintenance and tires. Current average could be higher as a result of higher gasoline prices.)
- Convenience of purchasing your pass at work.
- You are also eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program in case of daytime emergencies.
The JO from Johnson County, Kansas to UMKC *New Route
Johnson County Transit operates The JO Route 556/856 – Metcalf-Plaza that extends from 137th Street and Antioch in Overland Park to UMKC. The route provides service along Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park, Johnson Drive in Mission, and Shawnee Mission Parkway in Fairway, Roeland Park, and Westwood. At UMKC, the route travels southbound on Troost and northbound on Rockhill. Visit http://www.thejo.com/routes/556.shtml for more details.
The JO operates other routes that connect to MAX and Metro routes in Downtown Kansas City, Crown Center, and Waldo, providing service to other destinations in Johnson County. Visit http://www.thejo.com for more information on all of the services provided by Johnson County Transit.
Ride Share program
Led by UMKC Human Resources:
- Began July 2008, and obtained participation from 160 staff members by September, 2008
- Implemented free ride home for emergencies
- Engaged in a partnership with Mid-America Regional Council
- Provided other resources including Carpool Connection
