JOINT NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Lawrence and

The University of Kansas

Thursday June 5, 2008

CITY CONTACT: City Manager David Corliss 832-3400

KU CONTACT: Jack Martin, Deputy Director of University Communications. 864-7100

KU and City to Explore Integration of Transit Systems

The Lawrence City Commission will soon begin public discussion of the possible integration of the City’s and the University of Kansas’ transit systems.

At the commission’s regularly scheduled June 10 meeting, a draft letter of intent outlining possible steps to create a merged transit system will be reviewed.

The goal of such a merger would be to enhance the usability and efficiency of transit in Lawrence, which would benefit current and potential users of both the T and KU on Wheels. The ability of riders to switch seamlessly between buses from either system is one potential benefit, along with possible efficiencies in fuel and other costs from route coordination.

“This is step one in a process that will include much public input about the shape and future of public transit in our community,” said Lawrence Mayor Mike Dever. “I am pleased that so much ground has been covered during staff discussions and that the possibility of a merged system is advancing. I appreciate the willingness of the university’s administration and students to work with us and consider solutions that will meet both the needs of the students and the community.”

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Lariviere said it made sense to explore integration of the two transit systems. “Mass transit has to play an increasing role in Lawrence’s transportation discussions. An integrated transit system that is better able to efficiently serve students and residents alike would be a great benefit to Lawrence. If we can create a merged system that benefits KU students and better serves the community, then it only makes sense to work toward that goal. KU’s students and administration look forward to working with the city to explore ways that this could be achieved,” said Lariviere.

The letter of intent sets out various conditions that would have to be met before any merger could take place. It also specifies that the city commission, as well as the university ‘s Transit Commission, appropriate student representatives and other required authorities, would have to approve any merger before it took place.

In 2006, the University of Kansas and the City of Lawrence undertook a comprehensive study that looked at the desirability of integrating the university’s transit system with the city’s transit system. That study determined that such an arrangement would be beneficial, assuming certain conditions were met.

Over the last year and a half, informal discussions have continued regarding increased cooperation and coordination between KU on Wheels and the T. Additionally, the two systems put out a joint RFP for transit services. Responses to this joint RFP will be reviewed in coming months, as the existing contract expires in December.

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