Point 2 for the T: What Now?

The supporters of the Lawrence Transit system celebrated across the city on election night as the news spread out: the transit system was safe, thanks to a huge mandate from the Lawrence citizenry. It was the culmination of a two-month campaign that brought people together from all over Lawrence for the singular purpose of making sure the "T" would be provided for.

It will be, thanks to their efforts. Both propositions passed with overwhelming majorities. The taxes will begin in April next year, mostly going to fund everyday operation of buses. Part of the money will also be set aside for improvements to the buses systems.

Projections for the transit system put operating costs at around $5.5 million by 2010, of which the state and federal government only provide $250,000 and $1.5 million respectively. The rest is up to Lawrence, and bus pass sales and fares only cover a portion of the cost. The increase is vital to the survival of the system, and City Manager David Corliss believes that the approval shows that the city is devoted to public transportation. Still, Corliss encourages residents to be realistic.

"We've been very heartened by the election results, but it's important that we remember: We won the election, we didn't win the lottery." Corliss said.

Even with the mandate for transit to survive, though, the city is still having trouble filling the vacant Transit Administrator position. Corliss has said that he thinks it will be filled soon since the financial situation of the "T" has been alleviated.

The trick that this newcomer will face will be figuring out how best to spend the bulging wallet he or she will be handed. Suggestions have come from around the state, including from the Kansas Rural Transit Assistance Program. The Director, Patricia Weaver, has suggested introducing a fare-free system. She said when the same sort of program was introduced at KU, ridership shot up. She believed that the fare was really a small cost for all that a transit system could do for the community.

Merging the "T" with KU on Wheels is another idea that has been batted around, and recently the city and the University have put together a letter signaling their intentions to put the two together.

Whatever happens, most people agree that priority one is spending the new found money wisely and convincing people to ride the bus.