Bob Nugent, Administrator of Lawrence Transit, assured members of Lawrence Central Rotary that getting on any bus in town, no matter what the shape or the marking, can get riders where they want to go—six days a week, 307 days a year.
The City of Lawrence and the University of Kansas began coordinating their bus systems in 2009 through a memo of understanding. Their cooperation means that riders in Lawrence pay a universal fare, no matter which bus they take. Communication about routes, schedules, policy and procedures are found on a common website. The two entities share vehicles and have a joint maintenance facility as well. The cooperation between KU and the City allows the system to flex for high volume routes near campus and lower intensity routes in the perimeter of Lawrence. There are nine routes that use 51 vehicles during peak times.
The City of Lawrence contributes $2.3 million annually, income from a 2.5% sales tax to support the buses and related transportation services. Those dollars are supplemented by around $2 million in Federal money and $290,000 in state funds. KU contributes $3.3 million collected from student fees and $1.5 million gleaned from parking revenue on campus. These coordinated services have 2.9 million passengers annually and have been recognized with awards for Ridership, Sustainability and System of the Year, since 2008.
Members of Rotary testified to the high quality of customer service from bus drivers in Lawrence. The City offers door-to-door service on “the T” by appointment, especially helpful to riders with physical limitations. Riders may also call in advance for flex service and for rides between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. KU service includes Safe Bus and Safe Ride for students who call to request pickup outside of normal bussing hours.
