Previous poll Next poll
When was the last time you used the Lawrence city transit system?
| Response | Percent | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Never | 81% | 615 | |
| Today | 5% | 43 | |
| In the past year | 4% | 37 | |
| In the past six months | 3% | 23 | |
| In the past 30 days | 2% | 22 | |
| This week | 2% | 18 | |
| Total | 758 | ||
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Club Magic manager says he's trying to turn around a new business at an old, and troubled, location May 25, 2013 · 71 comments
- Former area Boy Scouts react to decision allowing gay scouts May 24, 2013 · 56 comments
- Veritas graduation celebrates faith, family May 25, 2013 · 5 comments
- Wichita might fine residents over use of water May 24, 2013 · 21 comments
- On the street: Should residents or businesses who use too much water be fined? May 24, 2013 · 29 comments
- Opinion: Discrimination more than just poor service May 25, 2013 · 19 comments
- Opinion: Why gay role models matter May 23, 2013 · 49 comments
- Police department's case for a new facility not likely to show on next year's budget, officials say May 25, 2013 · 11 comments
- Senate Republicans approve sales tax increase, cuts in income tax rates, lower food sales tax May 23, 2013 · 61 comments
- Simons' Saturday Column: KU’s legislative lobbying effort lacks clout, continuity May 25, 2013 · 17 comments
- Simons' Saturday Column: KU’s legislative lobbying effort lacks clout, continuity May 25, 2013
- Lawrence pastor seeks to reconnect youth to NAACP May 25, 2013
- Wichita might fine residents over use of water May 24, 2013
- Opinion: New Orleans has inspiring rebirth May 5, 2013
- Graduation and 'stepping up' an all-school event at Bishop Seabury May 24, 2013
- French family cares for the graves of Americans killed on D-Day May 30, 2011
- House rejects exception from abortion restrictions for rape, incest, abuse victims March 19, 2013
- Free State girls clinch 6A state track title May 25, 2013
- No problem: Harmon-Thomas puts FSHS girls track in first May 25, 2013
- Opinion: NYC has seen enough of Anthony Weiner May 25, 2013
Comments
r_san 1 year, 3 months ago
Hmm...waste of money perhaps?!? Every time I see a bus its either empty or has like 2 people on it.
skinny 1 year, 3 months ago
A big waste of money. It needs to be down sized or done away with all togather!
50YearResident 1 year, 3 months ago
Hmmm, a 50 passenger "green Bus" with 1 or 2 people on it. How is this saving us money? A mimi van could do the exact same thing. How many years will the city continue to run this waste of tax payers money?
GOCAWO 1 year, 3 months ago
Wish we could bring back the Ogle's. Duane took a fledging Rapid Transit System owned by Wichita transit and made it one of the only profitable public transportations systems in the US. He retired after 30+ years and his son, Chris took over and revolutionilized the company running a successful and... profitable operation up until he sold the company. It has been all downhill from there. We lost Duane almost a decade ago but Chris is still around. If the city was smart, they would see if Chris would give imput into how the city can improve the operation of the system. Classic example of-If you want to screw something up, get the government involved.
KS 1 year, 3 months ago
You can add healthcare on that list too.
oldvet 1 year, 3 months ago
+1
SinoHawk 1 year, 3 months ago
+1
usnsnp 1 year, 3 months ago
Using it more since I am getting older. Of course I am not affraid to use public transportation since I was raised in a large city and a large percentage of the people used public transportation because it was cheaper than having a car. As I grow older and my reaction time gets slower I will probably get rid of my car, which would be a safer thing to do.
Cant_have_it_both_ways 1 year, 3 months ago
Why would anyone want to ride the empT when it does not go where you need it to, have to stand out in the cold for a half hour waiting on it, and when you get on it, you get to sit by some stinky homeless dude who got a free pass from the shelter to boost ridership numbers?
parrothead8 1 year, 3 months ago
How does the bus not go where you need it to? There are routes all over town. And if the bus is so "empT", why are you sitting by someone who stinks? Move to a different seat. And why are you standing "out in the cold for a half hour waiting" for the bus? The schedule is published. You know when the bus will arrive. Why not wait until a few minutes before to go out and catch the bus?
adagio 1 year, 3 months ago
Agreed, parrothead8. To add, how are the homeless suppose to get where they need to go? It's great that they are given passes.
Andini 1 year, 3 months ago
Never.
gsxr600 1 year, 3 months ago
Strong poll options. What about the "Over 1 year ago" option?
But anyway, while it's true the LJW internet troll demographic is not a fair sample of the Lawrence community, it's pretty clear the T is a waste. Everyone knows it yet it keeps expanding.
CWGOKU 1 year, 3 months ago
We have a subway? Never seen it
Just_Human 1 year, 3 months ago
I agree the transit system could be more fiscally efficient but if it wasn't for the buses I'd be up the proverbial creek. Until I can replace my car I will continue to use the bus.
asixbury 1 year, 3 months ago
I was in the same boat as you not long ago. I now have a new car and no longer ride the bus, except when I want to go downtown. No reason to deal with parking down there, when all buses lead to downtown, right?
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
what kind of job does a person have where they can't afford basic transportation?
asixbury 1 year, 3 months ago
Most jobs around these days, especially in Lawrence, do not pay enough to afford much at all. Even if he can afford a car, repairs are very costly. You do not know his situation, or mine for that matter, so your statement is ridiculous.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
there might be better jobs in Lawrence if the town cared more about attracting businesses and less about driving empty buses.
asixbury 1 year, 3 months ago
The transit system is not that big of a money-drain per tax-payer. I agree that they need to attract more business with better paying jobs. All that is usually available, are servers and bartenders.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
you can buy a bike for $200. repairs and maintenance are minimal.
asixbury 1 year, 3 months ago
Too simplistic, not realistic. It would be nice if this was possible for everyone.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
that American Eagle plant would have given Lawrence some nice decent paying jobs. The city leaders told them 'no thanks', we're too good for you. There are lots of people with good jobs in Ottawa now. Guess what. They pretty much all have cars. Some of them drive nice brand new ones too.
asixbury 1 year, 3 months ago
Why did Lawrence turn down the AE plant? I wasn't living here during that time.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
the city demanded a 'living wage', AE told Lawrence it was none of its business what they paid, AE moved to Ottawa and pays well over what Lawrence put as the floor. Basically, the town liberals put their foot right square in their mouth. The town is tone deaf when it comes to commerce.
asixbury 1 year, 3 months ago
Sounds like it. That's crazy.
tomatogrower 1 year, 3 months ago
Not too sure about that. I hear they may be closing. Just a rumor from my Ottawa friends, so there's no real confirmation.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
I know people that work there and I haven't heard anything of the sort. I hope your tomatoes are better thank your information.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
the MT sure seems to have businesses and people scrambling to move to Lawrence. What an absolute waste of time, energy and money.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
I know just the thing to grow Lawrence. How about a brand new library. My property taxes only went up $100 per year last year. Heck my home is worth what I paid for it in 2001 and still falling! There are about 50 houses for sale in my neighborhood. At this rate, my property taxes might be 10 times my homeowners insurance in a few years. Keep wasting money Lawrence.
I seriously wish I could get the hell out of here.
Ron Holzwarth 1 year, 3 months ago
Are you under a court order to stay in Lawrence?
You pointed out that your home is worth what you paid for it about ten years ago. How much rent do you think you would have had to pay to rent a similar home for ten years?
In dollars that have not been adjusted for inflation, you haven't lost anything. It is a misconception that has been around for a very long time that a house will automatically increase in value with time.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
no rent, but I've paid about $6,000 per year in repairs and maintenance and $5 to $6,000 in insurance and property taxes. The taxes continue to go up and the repairs and maintence aren't going down. I would LOVE to be a renter.
I would move. Somewhere with adults in charge that don't let a few developers rob the city blind. Unfortunately I can't afford it . If I want to be able to retire someday and pay for my kids education. In case you haven't noticed, people aren't buying homes in Lawrence anymore. Now if my property taxes keep going up that equation might change.
MarcoPogo 1 year, 3 months ago
You can't afford to move. Some people can't afford cars.
You answered your own question. Ta-da!!!
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
now if the city would just give me a free place to live we'd be even.
MarcoPogo 1 year, 3 months ago
By day, you can hang at the library and play World of Warcraft. By night, you can hit the hay at 10th and Kentucky.
Again, ta-da!!!
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
I knew that was a hanging curve ball as soon as i hit post. Oh well at least I can enjoy the new library. Might as well free load. When in Rome, as they say.
jackbinkelman 1 year, 3 months ago
You could live very comfortably at the shelter... But I'm guessing you are above that.
jackbinkelman 1 year, 3 months ago
darn.. beat me to it.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
oh. and why not let developers do whatever the heck they please, Lawrence. Like putting in fake grass at the already overbuilt apartment complexes that are sprouting up like weeds all over West Lawrence.
This town suffers from a bad case of group think.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
wake up. Lawrence isn't some Mecca that has people breaking its doors down to move here. People want to get out if this place. High taxes. no jobs. overpriced housing. too many renters. corrupt and wasteful city government. growing crime.
Liberal 1 year, 3 months ago
Lawrence has a transit system?
tomatogrower 1 year, 3 months ago
Oh big surprise. People who post on LJW don't ride the bus. A few years ago you would have thought the special tax for the bus wouldn't have passed if you read the posts on here. Guess what!!! It passed by 70%. Apparently the posters on here are a minority. Don't worry. We will try and protect your rights. Or if you are Libertarian, you are free to leave the city of Lawrence, just like you are free to leave your job and if you don't like the situation there.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
when has a tax increase ever not passed in Lawrence? You could have a tax increase to fund a study on how to increase taxes and it would pass in this town. It doesn't hurt that the city government and leaders are willing to lie and cheat to cram their pet projects through the votes, either.
but it's weird. I've yet to meet a single person in real life that has one good thing to say about the MT.
Liberal 1 year, 3 months ago
I think the buses are pretty
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
you might have a point. They are living art symbolizing liberal waste and excess.
none2 1 year, 3 months ago
"...We will try and protect your rights.,,,"
correction:
"We will protect OUR rights to your money -- no matter what the costs!"
RETICENT_IRREVERENT 1 year, 3 months ago
1983.
JackMcKee 1 year, 3 months ago
Never have. Never will. Carry on.
Oldsoul 1 year, 3 months ago
Funny that I never had any issues ( or very few) with being harassed by other passengers( and even the drivers) in any other town or bus system but Lawrence's. I stopped trying to use the bus a few years ago because too many people mess with me. Sure do not enjoy mountain people and other unsophisticates! They are not going to win me over this year with their thick-headed ways. Lack of social equality is a given in southern culture, and Lawrence shows the strongest influences of this I hope to ever experience--backward beyond words and frighteningly ignorant.
none2 1 year, 3 months ago
Have you ever considered taking a bath and maybe delousing yourself? Maybe some deodorant would help too.
rockchalker52 1 year, 3 months ago
Bit of a setback today, but at least you used the word 'funny.' Next, try thinking of something funny & go from there.
Liberty275 1 year, 3 months ago
Id rather walk
KsLadyJayhawker 1 year, 3 months ago
I am sorry to see some of these disrespectful comments regarding our bus service. I for one am a disabled, elderly rider of the bus, and without it being available I would be in a fix. I feel freedom when I can decide to go anywhere in Lawrence and be able to board the bus to get me there. I see all these negative statements on here, but I would like to share just one of my positive experiences I have had on a Lawrence bus ride......I hesitated to travel by bus, being afraid that I would hold things up for other riders, due to my having to have my walker with me. One day I decided to try it and when the bus picked me up the driver put me and my walker on the lift and helped me right into the bus, and it was full. Four young high school boys all said "Here Mam" take my seat. No one on the bus acted rude or put out, due to waiting for me to board. The boys were total gentlemen and the driver went out of his way to help me on and off. I had a wonderful bus experience and I now feel I can use the bus and enjoy my freedom anytime I choose too. Please don't take that away from those of us who have no choice in getting older, because someday it could be you with that walker.
none2 1 year, 3 months ago
It is also disrespectful to see people posts hysteria. Did anybody say there should be ZERO transportation for the disabled and elderly? There was a service for the disabled and the elderly BEFORE there was any empTy. If you honestly studied the issue you would know that most who were against the empTy did not include that other program.
As to "your freedom to use the bus any time you choose", what about elderly and disabled who live in most of the 105 counties in Kansas? Shouldn't they also have federally subsidized, state subsidized, and locally subsidized access to public transportation? Some are lucky if they have a bus that their senior center has available to use occasionally for special trips. Some people have to rely on working with agencies such as Area Agency on Aging, just to schedule transportation to get to another town sometimes in another county just for doctor appointments, dentist appointments, etc., while you enjoy your freedom to be driven a few blocks on all your subsidized assistance.
kylechandler 1 year, 3 months ago
none2 enjoys beating the elderly and long walks on the kaw
none2 1 year, 3 months ago
Only in your twisted, kinky fantasies.
omgsmileyface 1 year, 3 months ago
i lost my transportation four years ago i rode the bus to work and home never had any problems. I broke my ankle last March I tried using Independence Inc but the lady who schedules rides has no customer service skills...... i was so glad when i got approved for temporary Tlift rides. the drivers were all so great and made sure I was safe and got to my destination before I was left. No scheduling issues ever. At least i got to keep my job because i had a way to get to work without paying $9 one way for a taxi ride.
Ami 1 year, 3 months ago
I would love to ride the bus. In fact the kids would love it even more. I had in various occasions to use taxi service as the service only get as west as Wakarusa...guess what the city have grown
Commenting has been disabled for this item.