People who watch demographic trends often note the new demands that will be placed on public services as the huge baby boomer generation approaches senior status.

Increased usage of Lawrence’s door-to-door public transit system may be a small indicator of such a looming demand.

The city’s para-transit system is growing at double the national average for such services. To deal with the increased costs of providing the service, the administrator of the Lawrence bus system says the city may need to raise the fee for the service and tighten the process for determining who has access to it.

The para-transit system is designed for people who are physically unable to access the city’s route-bound T buses, but the application system for the special service has been largely on the honor system. Options the city might consider include requiring a medical professional to verify a rider’s need for para-transit service.

While it’s important for the city to try to cover more of the costs of providing this service, it’s also important to consider the growing need to provide transportation services not only for people who don’t have cars but for people who no longer feel comfortable behind the wheel.

For many generations, America’s transportation system has been focused on individual vehicles carrying people to their destinations. During that time, we have seen a drastic decline in public transportation options, especially in less densely populated areas. That includes pretty much all of Kansas.

Only one passenger train serves Lawrence on an east-west route each day, and bus routes to other cities have been severely curtailed in recent years. It’s an understatement to say that neither of these transportation options offer the kind of convenience and amenities that many travelers enjoy, such as clean, attractive pickup points and a sense of comfort and safety as they travel.

Once they get to their destination city, they probably will have no access, or very limited access to internal public transit that can take them to their final destination. It’s wonderful to think about a light-rail line between Lawrence and Kansas City, but efficient public transportation systems within the destination cities also are essential.

The availability and convenience of public transportation is a growing issue for all age groups but especially for older residents who want to maintain their independence. Without good public transportation options, many seniors will continue to drive far beyond the point that their good judgment might prompt them to stop. More public transportation options also might reduce the need for so many teenagers to have cars and give younger youths easier access to a variety of recreation and cultural facilities.

It’s understandable that independent Americans are in love with their cars, but it’s unfortunate that a result of that love affair has been to decimate travel options that might reduce our dependence on oil resources and the need to constantly expand our highway system. For a variety of reasons, it seems that investing in new public transportation options is an important part of America’s future.