Kansas University students are driving increased ridership on buses operated by the T, Lawrence’s transit system.

The Lawrence Transit System provided 63,963 rides during September, up 81 percent from 35,276 a year earlier.

Robert Nugent, the city’s transit administrator, attributed the spike to implementation of a coordinated bus route — between the T and KU on Wheels — beginning Aug. 17. The route connects the retail area on South Iowa Street with downtown Lawrence by running through the KU campus.

The increase follows a jump of 37 percent in August.

“The September report reflects a full month of ridership, and the numbers show that people are adjusting well to the new route,” Nugent said.

One-way rides on the bus cost $1, or are free with a valid KUID.

For more information about transit options, visit the T’s Web site.