Lawrence Journal-World opinion section

To the editor:

We would like to offer a response to the letter “Routes are key to T.” (Public Forum, March 5)

The writer claimed that ridership on the T is morbidly low. In fact, Lawrence Transit received the award for the highest ridership increase Kansas for 2015. People took 1,125,795 trips on the T in 2014. Ridership has tripled since 2008 when there were 387,938 riders.

It currently takes 20 minutes to go from 15th and Haskell to Seventh and Vermont, as opposed to what is stated in the letter that says it takes 53 minutes. There are plans to make this a linear route instead of a circular route in August 2016 which will improve the timing so people can get downtown even faster.

Lawrence Transit has made significant improvements in recent years to routes, timing and user amenities. Each year, we make adjustments and hold meetings to get public input on any changes. We always want to make sure our routes serve the most people possible and get riders where they need to go, whether it is to work, school, shopping, errands or recreation facilities.

There are more than 300 bus stops along the Lawrence Transit routes, and plans are under way to improve amenities. We look forward to working with the public to improve our services, and we are always open to new ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at info@lawrencetransit.org or call 864-4644.