(Kansas City, Mo. –August 23, 2013) Thanks to a new partnership between Rockhurst University and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, all students can use their student IDs to ride MAX and The Metro.
MAX and Metro service will be an attractive alternative for students who want to save money, improve the environment, and not worry about fighting for a parking space on campus. Rockhurst University has joined the U-Pass program, allowing part-time and full-time undergraduate and graduate students to ride any of the 60 Metro buses free of charge by simply swiping their student ID card.
“It’s pretty helpful,” said Danny Morris, a freshman from St. Louis. “There are a lot of things I’d like to check out and this is a good way to get around.”
The one-year pilot program is being funded by student activity fees and funds from Student Development/Athletics. Continuation of the program will be contingent upon the availability of ongoing funding.
“With the frequent, easy-to-understand service offered around campus, this partnership is a win on many levels,” said Matt Quick, dean of students and vice president of student development and athletics. “Rockhurst values environmental conservation and creating connections to the communities surrounding the university. This partnership allows our students to do both of these things.”
Classes started at Rockhurst University on Aug. 21. KCATA is planning a how-to-ride session on campus next week. On Monday of this week, new students rode Main Street MAX and Troost MAX as part of a scavenger hunt during their orientation. This contributed to one of KCATA’s highest ridership days of 2013, with more than 60,000 rides on The Metro and MAX.
“We are thrilled about this partnership with Rockhurst,” said KCATA General Manager Mark Huffer. “The campus is conveniently located along Troost MAX, which offers frequent service seven days a week. The expansion of the U-Pass program is a great step for transit in our community.”
The Metro offers 60 routes and more than 30 park-and-rides throughout the Kansas City region.