To the editor:

The City of Kansas City, Mo., is seriously considering introducing free bus service to the community. The benefits of this include faster boarding of buses and increased ridership. It would also make it possible for more low-income residents to ride to school or work. Of course, increased ridership by auto owners would reduce air pollution, including greenhouse gases and traffic congestion. The City of Lawrence should also consider instituting free bus service. However, the city would have to replace the nearly $500,000 in annual fare box revenues with other sources of revenue, but this can be accomplished.

To further reduce air pollution, Lawrence could phase in electric buses like Chattanooga, Tenn., is doing. Bus batteries could even be recharged by a large array of solar panels, which is what Adelaide, Australia, does. Lawrence has to take innovative steps now if we are to survive the coming climate crisis.

Clark H. Coan,

Lawrence