To the editor:

OK. Let me get this right. “The city is financing a shuttle bus to travel to and from the city’s two downtown parking garages to Memorial Stadium.” (Aug. 28, Journal-World) We cannot seem to get the city to finance the T for paying customers, but the city can give free rides to hundreds – likely thousands – of fans who want to go to the stadium?

The city of Lawrence needs to understand that sports equals money! (Look at Kansas University. Now they are charging for parking spaces to tailgate.) Let the city take its cue from KU! Take advantage of the moment! Let the fans pay for their rides. Let the fans support our T. Carpe diem!

If the city did this – charging ALL riders (no free rides on huge profit days) – maybe there wouldn’t be a need to be squabbling over the question on the fall’s ballot of a tax to support/fund the T. As it is, the T is a needed service in this town, just like the fire department and the police department. They are there when we need them. So too is the T.

Come on, city of Lawrence. Don’t be afraid to charge riders who are fans of KU sports. Step up to the plate, and let them pay their fair (fare?) share.

Sharon Hettinger,
Lawrence