To the editor:

Much has been discussed about the decline in T ridership over the first six months of 2007.

It is true that the total ridership is down by 2.7 percent. However, after a closer look, the data indicate that the paid ridership portion of the total ridership has actually increased. Approximately 70 percent of the total ridership on the T is paid ridership, riders that pay full or reduced fares either in cash or with a full or reduced fare pass.

There are small decreases in the number of people who transfer from one bus to another and in the number of free rides (free ridership days, children 5 and under, etc.). However, there is a large decline in students using the Kansas University T-pass. This decline began precisely when KU Park and Ride buses went into service during the fall semester of 2006.

In addition to the T, the Park and Ride buses are available to students to ride between main campus and West Campus. The good news is that the paid ridership is increasing and the paid ridership is the largest proportion of total ridership.

Marian K. Hukle, chair,

Public Transit Advisory Committee, Lawrence