UNI Multimodal Project Needs Analysis
Overview
The University of Northern Iowa is considering constructing a transit system and parking ramp to serve students, faculty, staff and visitors. A federal grant covers 80 percent of the projected construction and vehicle costs for projects of this type -- referred to as multimodal projects. Construction could begin in 2007, with completion in 2008.
What is a multimodal system?
This project would be a collaboration between UNI, the city of Cedar Falls, the city of Waterloo and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MET). It would provide better access to campus buildings and easy access to the local MET transit system and the Cedar Valley Nature Trails. The facility would include covered parking, bicycle lockers and the hub for a new, environmentally friendly campus transit system.
Why does UNI need a transit system and multimodal facility?
- Parking and access to campus buildings are the top concerns voiced in surveys of visitors, students, faculty and staff
- More than 225,000 people visit UNI every year for major events
- Hundreds of visitors come to campus each week for preview days and college or department events
- Between the GBPAC and the advent of the athletics and events complex on the west side of campus, more and more visitors come to UNI each day.
What will this system add to the campus?
Students, visitors, faculty and staff would have easier access to the campus buildings, regardless of where they park.
Specifically:
- UNI can become a model of environmentally friendly transportation with a "green" transit system that emphasizes moving people rather than cars
- Students, faculty and staff would have the option to park in perimeter lots (with easy access to transit) and pay a lesser rate for parking permits
- The multimodal facility would give visitors (small and large groups) a consistent place to park and easy access to transit
- The multimodal facility would reduce the number of drivers circling lots looking for a place to park and reduce the number of displaced UNI parking-permit holders
- Reserved parking spots for those choosing to pay a premium price for parking will be available at a variety of locations across campus
- Off-campus students would have reliable, consistent transit to and from campus