Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Students at the University will soon be able to extend their travels around town without paying more for gas.
The Lawrence City Commission unanimously agreed June 24 to approve a proposal that would allow University students to ride the Lawrence Public Transit, or the T, for free if they show a KUID. The new policy would also allow city residents who purchased a T bus pass to ride the University buses for no fare.
The new system would begin Aug. 18 when the fall semester begins.
Both the city’s Public Transit Advisory Committee and University leaders recommended the new ridership policy.
Cliff Galante, Lawrence’s public transit administrator, said the new transit system would provide people in the community, including students, with more mobility options and transportation choices.
“Our hope is that any changes made will make service even more attractive and convenient than what is presently offered by each system independently,” Galante said.
However, some students are skeptical about the new policy.
Alysse Koch, Shawnee junior, said she didn’t see herself taking the T around town. She said she took used campus buses but would rather pay the gas prices to drive herself around town for more convenience.
“They make it a lot easier to make it to class,” Koch said. “I’m just not familiar with the other bus routes and I would hate to be stranded downtown.”
Derek Meier, transportation coordinator for KU on Wheels, said he received positive feedback from several students who planned to ride the T.
“The policy will allow us to observe any trends that might develop and incorporate those observations into merger plan details,” Meier said. “However, KU on Wheels will remain to get students to and from class efficiently and effectively.”
The decision comes weeks after city commissioners denied a request to sign a letter of intent, which outlined a merger of the two bus systems by 2009. City commissioners asked for more public input and a solid financial commitment from the city before moving ahead with the merger.
“We are facing difficult times with the fuel economy,” Sue Hack, city commissioner, said.
Hack also addressed the duplication of services that KU on Wheels and the T provide the city. Commission members said it was likely that the new policy would reduce the money the city takes in through fares, but no exact dollar amount was given.
In 2007, about 2,700 semester bus passes and 3,400 annual bus passes were sold to students, Meier said.
Galante said there was a strong recognition by all parties involved that students were to be actively involved in the merger process.
“With rising operational costs impacting, I believe the city and University are better off working together than independently,” Galante said. “The goal is to achieve a win-win scenario for all.”
— Edited by Mandy Earles
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