To the editor:

Most people in northeast Kansas do not seem to grasp all the purposes of public bus systems. They understand that a sought function of public transportation is to enable people to get from point A to point B. That is what essentially all of them do in their private automobiles. But there are two other main functions. The more obvious one is to enable our handicapped and economically disadvantaged populations to get around town to shop for groceries and other necessities of life, medical appointments and social activities. The less obvious function is to ease, in an environmentally sound fashion, the automobile congestion which spins around the innumerable Lawrence traffic circles.

I submit that the present status of the Lawrence bus system is that it is not working. The ridership numbers are dismal. My observations suggest that the typical Lawrence bus has three or less riders. Fares based upon covering most operating costs are too high to attract usage that will result in bus operation at an efficient capacity.

If we cannot bite the bullet of free bus transportation, we should at least develop a system of low fares that produce efficient usage. The economically disadvantaged, students, the elderly and short-term visitors should be given attractive rates for a pass covering a specific time period. Many cars could be kept off the streets if Mom or Dad was not required to fire up the family car for the double round-trips daily to accommodate the student in the family.

It is time for our community leaders to read the bigger picture.