UK Parking, LexTran to Offer Bus Pass Trial

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 19, 2008) – University of Kentucky Parking & Transportation Services (PTS) is pleased to announce a partnership with LexTran which will allow UK employees with valid parking permits to test ride the new LexTran 41-X Commuter Express Route. The route runs between Wal-Mart on Nicholasville Road and the Transit Center on Vine Street, with stops at the Kentucky Clinic and UK HealthCare Good Samaritan Hospital.

 

From July 1 to Aug. 31, current E-permit holders will be eligible to swap their parking permit for a MetroLex 30-day bus pass. The employee will remain on payroll deduction, and may make the switch at any of the three PTS offices on campus: Parking Structure #6 (721 Press Avenue), Parking Structure #5 (next to Kennedy Book Store), or the HealthCare Parking Structure (110 Transcript).

 

“We are excited to announce the 41-X Bus Pass Trial as an alternative for our permit holders this summer,” said Don Thornton, director of Parking & Transportation Services. “As gas prices continue to rise, PTS is looking for ways to ease the burden on the university community.”

 

The MetroLex pass is good for 30 days from the first day it is used; employees may choose to start their trial month anytime between July 1 and Aug. 31. At any time during the trial period, employees may choose to switch back to their parking permit if the MetroLex pass does not meet their transportation needs.

 

“As demand for LexTran’s services continues to increase, community partners like the University of Kentucky are the real link to success,” said LexTran General Manager Rocky Burke.  “We certainly appreciate the efforts of UK Parking and Transportation Services to meet the needs of employees. This is just the kind of collaborative effort needed to make programs like the 41-X Express successful,” he added.

 

Participating employees will receive two complimentary scratch-off permits to be used if they need to drive to campus during their trial month. Participants will also be eligible for a guaranteed ride back to their vehicle in emergency situations.

 

Once the trial month is over, employees may opt to turn in their bus pass and get their permit back or to opt out of the permit program and purchase a bus pass from LexTran.