Considering Going Car-Free on Campus?

If you’re intrigued by the idea of going car-free on campus, check out UK Transportation Services’ incentives programs, designed to encourage sustainable transportation choices. Applications for Bike Vouchers and the Cash Out program are now open. Both programs reward students and employees for their decision to go car-free.

Bike Voucher Program 

Now in its tenth year, UK’s Bike Voucher program is open to both students and employees. It offers the first 100 qualified applicants $500 each in vouchers that are valid at any participating local bike shop. Participants also receive 10 single-day parking permits that can be used if necessary.

Vouchers can be applied toward the purchase of a new bike or bicycle gear and accessories. In return, participants sign a car-free commitment for two years but may purchase up to 40 single-day parking permits per fiscal year if needed.

To be eligible, applicants must live off campus and have had a parking permit this past fiscal year (July 1-June 30) or be new to the University with a start date of September 2023 or later.

Vouchers will be distributed to successful applicants starting July 1.

Cash Out Program 

Cash Out is a program designed for UK employees. Participants who choose to forego purchasing a parking permit for one year receive $200 over the one year, evenly divided across their paychecks.

They also receive 10 complimentary single-day passes for when they must bring a vehicle to campus, plus the option of purchasing an additional 40 single-day passes per fiscal year.

To be eligible, employees must have had a parking permit for the 2023-2024 fiscal year (July 1-June 30) or be a new employees with a start date of September 2023 or later. Applicants must also have work assignments that are day shift and based on the main campus.

Cash Out is limited to the first 100 qualified applicants. Applications will close after the program is full.

Transportation Services staff will begin reviewing applications this month and will notify recipients if they are approved. Interested employees are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

These incentive programs are part of an array of alternative transportation incentives and options designed to support multi-modal transportation by helping individuals make a change in their routine. The goal is to reduce campus parking demand and traffic congestion and to support sustainable transportation options.

Additional alternative transportation programs include Big Blue Cycles and the Semester Bike Lottery. Applications for both of these programs are currently open.

If you’re interested in going car-free, but confused about potential commuting routes, UK Transportation Services also offers personalized commute planning.

For more details about alternative transportation incentives, visit our website or email us.