Lawrence Transit System

History of Transit in Lawrence

Since the 1870’s public transportation in Lawrence has included horse-drawn streetcars, electric motorcars, streetcars, transit buses and no service at all.

Service had been provided by a series of private companies with the City never entering into the provision of fixed-route service.

Over the years, specialized services were developed and funded for senior citizens, low income individuals and others who needed assisted transportation.

In 1971 when private companies could no longer profitably operate public transit service in Lawrence due to changing transportation and residential patterns, Student Senate of the University of Kansas voted to support bus service called, “KU on Wheels” for students on campus and between campus and student residential areas. KUOW is a private system not designed or available to the general public.

History Continued…

In 1993 the City voted funds to support a coordinated paratransit system upon KDOT establishing Coordinated Transportation Districts throughtout the State of Kansas.

City funding supported the Douglas County Area Transit (DCAT), and the City retained the Douglas County Community Transportation Coordinating Council (DCCTCC) to coordinate the service of the Douglas County Senior Services, Independence, Inc., Cottonwood, Inc. and DCAT. In 1999 the name was changed to Kaw Regional Transit (KRT).

First time elected officials voted for the City to fund any transit service.

History Continued…

Mid 1990’s various advisory groups, consultant studies, and public outcry suggested that the City could and should fund a fixed-route public transportation system to address social service needs and to make points of interest around the City such as schools, employment, retail, public, social service and medical facilities more accessible.

Your City in Motion

On December 16th, 2000 the Lawrence Transit System was created providing ADA-accessible service on 8 fixed-routes and demand-response, door to door complementary paratransit service throughout the City utilizing a fleet of 26 vehicles operating Monday through Friday from 6:00AM to 8:00PM.

T-Lift and the “T” fixed route system

Governance and Organization Structure

• 5 Member Elected City Commission.• 9 Member Mayor Appointed Public Transit

Advisory Board (PTAC).• Public Transit Administrator with staff of 2 that

reports directly to City Manager.• Contract operations and maintenance of

vehicles owned by City to private transportation provider.

Accomplishments 2000- 2005

• Increased acceptance by community recognizing the benefits of public transportation.

• December 16th, 2005 - celebrated 5-years in motion providing safe, accessible, reliable and friendly service to the community.

Accomplishments 2000- 2005

• Steady Annual Double Digit Growth – Ridership has more than doubled since first year of operation from 200,145 in FY00 to 439,131 in FY05.

• Received Awards of Excellence by the FTA Region VII for last two consecutive years for “Highest Percentage Increase in Ridership for entire Kansas Urban Transit Program”

• 16.3% growth in 2005.

Ridership on the Rise

Ridership Statistics

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50,000

100,000

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2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

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SYSTEMTOTALS

FIXED ROUTE- "T"

PARATRANSIT- T LIFT

Active Community Involvement

Supporting various community events such as: Kansas Relays; Lawrence Art Walk; Jawhawks on Parade; Earth Day; St. Patrick’s Day Parade; Helmet Day; Old Fashioned Christmas Parade; Salvation Army Stuff the Bus Promotion; American Heart Association Wear Red Promotion; Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale; Communities in Motion Day; United Way’s Wednesdays at Liberty Hall (after-school program for children ages 12-15); and USAA Collegiate Cycling Championships.

Current Coordination Efforts with University of Kansas

Offer KU students with KUOW bus pass $25.00 “T” fixed-route bus pass for unlimited rides for 9 month period (Fall & Spring semesters) or $15 per semester.

Offer KU students with disabilities with KUOW bus pass $204.00 “T-Lift” paratransit bus pass for unlimited rides for 9 month period or $152 per semester. 50% annual savings.

Make bus maps and schedules available of both transit systems available on transit vehicles.

Current Coordination Efforts with University of Kansas

Working with University on acquiring five 35ft. transit vehicles utilizing Federal funding made available through KDOT to provide public transportation service to 1,500 vehicle Park and Ride facility located on KU West Campus.

Current Coordination Efforts with University of Kansas

Working with the University to hire a consultant to prepare a plan that explores the feasibility of implementing a coordinated and/or consolidated public transportation system between City transit system and University transit system.

Current Challenges

Working with KU on Implementing Park and Ride transit system

Construction of a Bus Maintenance/Administration Facility

Replacement of Aging Fixed-Route Bus Fleet

Current Challenges

Acquiring Vehicles for Coordinated and/or Consolidated Transit System

Replacement of Transit Shelters and other improvements to Downtown Transfer Hub

Better managing Paratransit Service Demand Maintaining On-Time Performance

Current Challenges

Expansion of Service Routes Expansion of Service Frequency Expansion of Service Hours and Days Attracting Choice Riders Intercity Transportation to KC/Topeka

Where are we headed? 5-year Plan

Goals

Continue to grow ridership and expand service where opportunities exist.

Implement coordinated and/or consolidated public transportation system with KU.

Construct a Bus Maintenance/Administration facility. Acquire sufficient federal and local funds to purchase

vehicles to operate a coordinated and/or consolidated transit system.

Goals

Acquire sufficient federal and local funds to replace existing bus fleet upon reaching service life.

Construct new transit shelters at main downtown transfer hub.

Implement designated bus stops along routes. Provide Intercity Public Transportation along

K-10 Corridor between Lawrence and KC.

Lawrence Transit System

Cliff Galante, CCTMPublic Transit Administrator933 New Hampshire St.P.O. Box 708Lawrence, KS 66044Phone: (785) 832-3464Email: cgalante@ci.lawrence.ks.us

www.lawrencetransit.org