Transit services

To the editor:

Public transit is a public service or utility much like fire protection. You may never need it, but you’re sure glad it’s there. As the population ages and many citizens are no longer able to drive safely, people will be glad they can hop on the bus and go on errands or visit friends.

Fixed-route systems such as Lawrence transit (the T) provide more independence, flexibility, convenience and mobility than door-to-door demand-response services such as Bus 62, which requires reservations the day before.

Each month sees an increase in ridership on the T. Still, optimal ridership levels will not be reached until the system merges with KU on Wheels. Further, as the city’s population grows, ridership will increase correspondingly. This will especially be the case if Smart Growth policies are implemented which increase densities in neighborhoods.

Many employers like the T because it enables entry-level employees to commute to work. Parents are increasingly enjoying the time saved by giving monthly bus passes to their children. In fact, the school district could sell discounted passes to junior and senior high school students. Although virtually every city over 50,000 has a public transit system, nearly all require public subsidies. Nonetheless, car owners receive subsidies amounting to thousands of dollars per annum.

As Lawrence grows into its public transit system, the T will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution plus, and most importantly, give dignity to all of its citizens — some of which could well be your friends and neighbors.

Clark H. Coan,

Lawrence