To the editor:

For the last two years, we have had a store-bought, off-the-shelf bus system in Lawrence. One part is the T-Lift, which provides transportation to qualified people with disabilities. I strongly feel that this service should be continued and enhanced; it is very much needed.

The other portion of the bus service is the regularly scheduled buses that run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Most of these buses run empty. This system was touted to reduce traffic, reduce pollution, save fuel, etc. How does running nearly empty buses all over town empty save now-expensive fuel? I have not seen any perceptible diminution in traffic; indeed, it seems to grow each week. The bus company says it has nearly 1,000 riders a day (their figures). Considering that many are probably out-and-back riders, it is more likely the correct figure is 500 to 600, a statistical null in a city of 80,000 people not including KU students.

The regularly scheduled buses are a huge flop. They are costing hundreds, maybe over a thousand dollars per rider. This is insanity and should be stopped immediately.

Fred Whitehead,

Lawrence