To the editor:

I am “one of those people” who ride the T. I would like to convince Lawrencians to use this great alternative to driving, for the general good of the community. It decreases the number of vehicles on the road. Each bus holding a couple dozen passengers potentially removes an equal number of cars from the road every 45 minutes, times 14 hours, times six days a week on every route (times 9). This eliminates wear and tear on roads, exhaust emissions and traffic.

It takes considerable effort to create habits and few of us have the bus habit. I challenge residents of Lawrence to ride at least once this summer in the spirit of “getting to know this resource.” That is 80,000 rides! Think of it as a “vacation locally” promotion. Attractions on T routes are sports fields, bike paths, museums, the nature center, theaters, swimming pools, county fairgrounds, parks and a variety of shopping areas and restaurants. Buses stay cooler than cars in summer, parking is never a concern, and walking to the nearest stop provides exercise.

Keep in mind some peculiarities about a fledgling system: Schedules are not posted in most shelters and routes end at 8 p.m. Use the rack on any bus for creative bike and ride combinations. Study routes published in “Guide to Ride” pamphlets available in stores. Then learn bus etiquette from the guide to ensure the T is a positive experience.

See you on the T!

Phyllis Farrar,

Lawrence