To the editor:

As I understand it, the original concept was built on a grant, poorly managed from the start. No further funds were pursued to maintain the T, and I’m sure no real route studies were done. It was also designed to fail from the start: The routes were poorly designed; there was no coordination with the KU bus system because of local politics; and the system was poorly promoted by the city.

Disregarding what the anonymous posters sarcastically write online, the fact of the matter is that the T cannot survive without major overhaul. It is a drain on the city’s resources and will become a greater drain in the future. In the near term, the only thing that can be done is to decrease services. In all probability, though, Lawrence will lose the T and with it any form of public transportation. This, I believe, has been the ultimate goal of the City Commission.

Granted, I like my car as much as anybody, but, if given the chance, my wife and I walk or take the T. I know the city will discontinue the T, which is a loss. We’re still within walking distance of the grocery and downtown, and we can still walk so we’re not affected as much. However, some will be affected, even if they’re only the one or two riders cited online. This is an unfortunate loss for the city, which has greater implications than many realize or are willing to admit.

Ralph Reed,

Lawrence