U-Pass
Metropolitan Community College students have a valuable new transportation benefit, starting fall semester 2016.
An MCC student ID will double as an all-access RideKC bus pass — at no additional cost to the students.
The unlimited bus service is a two-year pilot program and a partnership between MCC and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.
- The U-Pass, as it is known, will provide full-time and part-time MCC students, who are enrolled in courses for credit, with free, unlimited access to all RideKC transit, including bus service operated by KCATA, Johnson County Transit and Independence. it also covers the MetroFlex service offered by KCATA and Johnson County Transit.
- The U-Pass does not cover the K-10 route to Lawrence and the Share-A-Fare program for paratransit riders.
- The U-Pass is not available to noncredit program students.
MCC has about 18,000 students a semester attending five campuses on the Missouri side of the Kansas City area, including the Northland, Independence and Lee’s Summit.
FAQs:
Zonara Nawaz - "I do not feel comfortable driving, so i ride the bus."
How do you obtain an MCC student ID that is U-Pass ready?
- For all students, new and returning: Access to a U-Pass ready student ID is now available. Students will need to bring a copy of a current class schedule and a government issued photo ID for proof of enrollment to his/her specific campus location. IDs will be ordered through each individual’s campus. Click here for the five campus locations where students will need to go for ID processing.
- Added note for returning students: Your old ID will not work as a U-Pass. You will need to obtain a new one.
What if your new student ID isn’t working?
- If your new student ID is not working, return it to your campus of record and have the ID reissued.
What do you do if you lose your student ID?
- If you lose your student ID, return to your campus of record with a copy of a current class schedule and a government issued photo ID for proof of enrollment and a replacement card will be reissued. There will be a $5 fee for a replacement card.
Toni Stillions - "I could not attend college until this service was provided. I use the service every day."
How much will U-Pass save you?
- As indicated, the U-Pass is free. A monthly RideKC pass costs $50 for local service or $95 for express service. But for commuters who switch from driving a car to taking a bus, the savings can be in the thousands of dollars a year.
How do you determine the best routes?
- All five MCC campuses are served by at least one RideKC route, with connections to routes all over the region. MCC-Penn Valley is served direct by five routes, and is within walking distance of the Main St. MAX.
- RideKC offers more than 90 routes throughout the Kansas City region. Metropolitan Community College is working with KCATA to more closely align bus schedules with campus class schedules.
- For the full RideKC system map, click here.
Juan Alarcon Suarez – “Now, I’m able to go to school, saying I have enough money to eat, have enough money for this. Let me just study.”
How do you ride the bus like a pro?
- RideKC conveniently has a rider tutorial on its website. Click here to get started.
Is Wi-Fi available on the bus?
- Yes. Wi-Fi is available on board several buses. Main Street MAX and Troost MAX are 100% Wi-Fi equipped. 22 additional KCATA buses have Wi-Fi. All Johnson County Transit buses provide free Wi-Fi. In 2016, Wi-Fi will be added to all KCATA vehicles. The KC Streetcar corridor will have free Wi-Fi along the 2.2 mile line in downtown Kansas City, Mo. Click here for RideKC App and Wi-Fi resources.
Shannon Johnson – “There were a few times, where I could not get to class because we didn’t have enough money for me to go and get a bus pass for me actually to get on a bus to go and get a bus pass.”
Is there an APP to help you?
- RideKC does not endorse, guarantee, sell or license apps, but it has recommendations. Some of the apps include only KCATA information, while others include multiple transit agencies. Click here for a list of recommended apps from KCATA.
If you need further assistance, please contact the MCC Information Center at 816.604.1000.