It’s hard to argue with the success of the K-10 Connector bus service.

The bus is a transportation linchpin for hundreds of students in Johnson and Douglas counties, getting them to and from Johnson County Community College and the University of Kansas campuses in Lawrence and Overland Park. The system is affordable and environmentally friendly, reducing emissions and traffic on K10.

That’s the big picture officials in Johnson and Douglas counties should keep in mind as they prepare for territorial battles over who should pay for the bus service.

Johnson County operates the bus route, and Lawrence helps fund the service to the tune of $120,000 per year. Johnson County asked the city to more than double its funding to $330,000 for 2017, but at City Manager Tom Markus’ recommendation, the city declined. Josh Powers, business liaison for the Johnson County Manager’s Office, said Johnson County would continue the service as is for 2017, but he also hinted that Johnson County might cut back the service if Lawrence didn’t participate at higher levels in the future.

The K-10 Connector operates on weekdays, shuttling riders between Kansas University, Johnson County Community College and KU’s Edwards Campus. Fare for the connector is just $3.50. The annual ridership on the route is about 120,000, or more than 450 people per day.

A survey conducted in 2012 indicated that 60 percent of the K10 Connector’s riders lived in Douglas County, which Johnson County points to as an argument for increased funding from its neighbor to the west.

Powers said Johnson County will begin conducting a new survey in coming weeks to get updated information on riders and their usage of the bus service. Lawrence officials said they would welcome such data.

Conducting a new survey is smart. Such information will no doubt be valuable in helping formulate a plan that is as equitable as possible. But it’s also important to keep in mind that, regardless of where riders live, the bus service helps ensure the success of Johnson County Community College and KU. And there’s a direct correlation between the success of those schools and the health of the communities they serve.

The K-10 Connector bus service is a win for everyone involved. That’s something officials in both counties should keep top of mind as they sort out how best to fund the shuttle.