The bus service linking Johnson County and Lawrence isn’t taking a summer break.

And neither are its riders.

David Yuo, a Johnson County Community College student, was among about 200 people using the K-10 Connector on Thursday.

“Since it’s been available, I’ve been using it,” he said. “I don’t drive. So if I didn’t use this, I’d have to rely on other people.”

The buses drive a continuous route to Johnson County Community College, Kansas University in Lawrence and the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park. Although it circulates among the campuses, anyone can ride.

Alice Amrein, director of transportation for Johnson County Transit, said ridership has picked up this week as summer classes have begun.

“Obviously, the last two weeks in May were down because classes were out,” Amrein said.

During the spring semester, she said the K-10 Connector averaged about 300 riders per day.

Despite rising gas prices, Amrein said the bus service that travels along Kansas Highway 10 doesn’t plan to increase rates. Current rates are $2.50 for a one-way trip or $15 for 10 trips. Passes can be purchased at the KU Parking and Transit office or from the bus driver.

Yuo estimated the service saved him about $4 a trip.

While it has connecting routes with KU bus services, it does not connect with the Lawrence Transit System.

“Transferring to the T – that’s something we have on our schedule to look at, but with their possible budget cuts, we aren’t sure,” Amrein said.

The drop-off and pickup points for the bus route are Haskell Indian Nations University Park and Ride, north stadium; 19th Street and Naismith Drive, southwest corner; KU Lawrence Park and Ride at Clinton Parkway and Crestline Drive, east lot shelters; JCCC Carlsen Center, north entrance; and KU Edwards Campus, northwest side of roundabout.