Bus system merger may be necessary to stay afloat
Both systems would need to commit equally to the merger, sales tax could see rise in process.
Friday, June 13th, 2008
More city funding and a merger with the University will likely be needed to continue the Lawrence Public Transit system.
City commissioners said the city needed to discuss finding additional revenue and gather more public input before signing a letter of intent to merge the Lawrence transit system and KU on Wheels.
Revenue from both the University and the city would be required for the merger. Each system would have to commit to equal funding of the system. Commissioners suggested a 0.2 percent transit sales tax increase and a 0.3 percent infrastructure sales tax to provide a consistent stream of revenue from the city.
“There has been difficulty of commitment for a while now,” said Robert Chestnut, vice mayor. “We need to dedicate more funding to get to the level we need.”
City of Lawrence Public Transit 2009 Deflict - $600,000
Proposed Tax increase
0.2 percent transit sales tax
0.3 percent infrastructure sales tax
The city budget is facing a $600,000 transit deficit for 2009 because of old equipment and rising gas prices.
Chestnut said that without a merger with the University, the public transportation system would not be able to serve the community effectively.
“It is too expensive for a stand-alone system,” said Chestnut. “I’m not willing to support a stand-alone system.”
Merging the two bus systems would create more options for student travelers and avoid duplication of service around the city.
Although commissioners did not sign the proposed letter of intent, they agreed that without a merger with KU on Wheels and sales tax increase, continuing to operate a public transit system at the level the community needs would be nearly impossible.
“We are facing a difficult time in the fuel economy,” Sue Hack, city commissioner, said. “We need to take advantage of the expertise of KU.”
City manager David Corliss suggested modifying the letter of intent to reflect the sales tax consideration.
Corliss said by putting in the suggested sales tax increase into the letter commits the city to a revenue service and allows the city to go into discussions with KU with a dollar amount.
Commissioner Mike Amyx said a public transportation system was something the community needed.
“Whether it is going to the doctor or getting back and forth from work, we have an obligation to the community,” Amyx said. “We need to take care of the community as well as KU students.”
KU on Wheels is funded through student fees. Pending the Board of Regent’s approval for 2008-2009, students will pay $64.90 per semester for Parking and Transit, which includes the elimination of bus passes and one-time boarding fee.
Derek Meier, Independence sophomore and KU on Wheels transportation coordinator, said regardless of the outcome of merger discussions, KU on Wheels’ commitment to effectively serving students would continue to remain the top priority.
The letter of intent suggests a merger completion by July 1, 2009, but city commissioners did not take steps to put the sales tax increase on the November ballot pending more budget discussions.
— Edited by Matt Hirschfeld
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KU on Wheels is already dead to me. I spent an entire year putting up with their show-up-when-we-damn-well-please bus schedule. Too bad I still have to give them money this year.
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