# UK opens applications for two new car-free commute incentive programs  
**Published:** 2026-05-15T14:11:16.000Z  
**Source:** [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/go-green-and-take-advantage-uk-s-incentive-programs)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/uk-opens-applications-for-two-new-car-free-commute-incentive-programs

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky is expanding its commitment to sustainable transportation by opening applications for two new incentive programs designed to help students and employees ditch their parking permits and embrace car-free commuting options.

[The Bike Voucher Program](https://transportation.uky.edu/bike-voucher-program) and [Cash Out Program](https://transportation.uky.edu/cash-out-program) represent the latest efforts in [UK's broader push toward alternative transportation](https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/go-green-and-take-advantage-uk-s-incentive-programs). Both programs are aimed at reducing campus parking demand and supporting the university's environmental goals.

The Bike Voucher Program, now in its 12th year, offers $500 in vouchers to participants for use at participating local bike shops. Students and employees can use the funds for bikes, safety gear, lights or other cycling accessories. Participants commit to going car-free for two years but receive 10 free single-day parking permits annually, with the option to purchase up to 40 additional daily permits if needed.

Eligible applicants must live off campus and have held a parking permit during the previous fiscal year, or be new to the university with a start date of September 2025 or later. Approved participants will begin receiving vouchers starting July 1.

The Cash Out Program rewards UK employees with $200 over the course of a year for choosing alternative transportation instead of purchasing a parking permit. Participants also receive 10 complimentary single-day parking passes and the ability to purchase up to 40 additional daily passes. Only the first 100 qualified applicants will be accepted.

[Transportation is a crucial piece of the sustainability puzzle for the university](https://www.uky.edu/sustainability/transportation), which [serves more than 50,000 people visiting campus each day](https://www.uky.edu/sustainability/transportation). [Alternative transportation options like bicycling, walking and public transit provide health benefits and reduce the need for costly parking facilities](https://www.uky.edu/sustainability/transportation).

[Additional alternative transportation opportunities](https://transportation.uky.edu/sustainable-transportation/bicycle-rental-options), including Big Blue Cycles and the Semester Bike Lottery, will open this fall. The university also offers free personalized [commute planning](https://transportation.uky.edu/commute-planning) assistance. For questions, contact UK Transportation Services at [transportation@uky.edu](mailto:transportation@uky.edu) or call 859-257-5757.

## Sources

- [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/go-green-and-take-advantage-uk-s-incentive-programs)
- [UK Transportation Services - Sustainable Transportation](https://www.uky.edu/sustainability/transportation)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from University of Kentucky News, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/go-green-and-take-advantage-uk-s-incentive-programs.