Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Public Transit
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TO: |
David L. Corliss, City Manager
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FROM: |
Robert Nugent, Transit Administrator
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CC: |
Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
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Date:
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August 4, 2009 |
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RE: |
KU/City Transit Coordination Update |
Please place the following item on the agenda for the August 11, 2009 City Commission meeting:
Background
Late last year a joint transit planning team comprised of City and KU staff was established. This team has been meeting on a weekly basis to work through the details associated with coordination of transit services between KU and the City. A nationally recognized transportation firm was hired to assist in this process and has provided recommendations and an implementation plan to accomplish this goal. The implementation plan was divided into two parts. The first part of the implementation was scheduled in August 2009 and the second in August 2010. Three recommendations were considered for the August 2009 implementation phase. These included the following:
While these recommendations appear fairly minor, they are in fact providing a foundation to a coordinated service as it moves toward an August 2010 system. Starting on August 17, 2009 the following elements will be introduced to the riders of both the city and university bus systems:
Guide to Ride
The “Guide to Ride” is a joint publication between the city and the university that incorporates maps and timetables from both systems. Historically, each entity produced separate maps and timetables. This made it extremely difficult for users wanting to access both systems. It also reinforced the perception that there were two separate entities and service. Creating a joint publication will ease the customer’s ability to transfer between the two systems. The Guide to Ride will serve as the main reference for customers of both systems.
Shelter Maps
As an extension of the Guide to Ride the team has upgraded the system by developing a new system maps. These new maps incorporate both city and university routes. Each map is customized to the specific location. This should make the map less confusing and much easier to use.
Information Hotline
Anyone wanting information on either the city or the university services will now call 785-864-4644. Similar to the maps and timetables both entities have traditionally published separate numbers to the public. The university’s number was directed to the KU on Wheels office while the city’s was directed to the contracted service provider. A single number will eliminate the perception of inefficiency and produce a much more consistent customer service experience.
Coordinated Route
Route #11 is a coordinated effort between the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels. One city route and two university routes were merged in order to create this new route. These three routes, #8 #25 and #25, will no longer operate. Route #11 will connect downtown, main campus, several apartment complexes, and the retail area at 31st and Iowa streets. For city bus riders, the route will offer increased frequencies, with buses running every 30 minutes during the weekday. University bus riders will gain service on evenings, Saturdays, and school breaks, when KU buses do not run.
There are a few elements of the new route that riders need to be aware of when using the service. The route may be served by either KU buses or T buses. If KU buses are on the route they will not be equipped with bike racks. The route also has two different alignments—one for weekdays when KU classes are in session, and the other for evenings, Saturdays, summer semester, or weekdays when KU classes are not in session.
Continuing and Ongoing Efforts
Joint Maintenance Facility – One of the issues that the transit planning team has been has been working on has been the possible development of a joint transit maintenance facility. The planning team believes that a joint transit maintenance facility is important in order to enhance our coordination efforts which will ultimately allow for better use of our resources.
In order to fully explore options and alternatives regarding the joint facility, KU is planning on issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit responses on options including: Lease, Lease-Purchase, and Purchase. Lease options would include 10, 15, and 20 year terms. The responses to the RFP will enable the City and KU to evaluate alternatives and recommend the best solution. It is anticipated that the RFP would be released early-mid August, with responses due back around the late part of September, or early part of October.
Service Standards and Policies – The planning team has been reviewing the initial recommendations on service standards and policies from the contracted transportation professionals. These recommendations are one of the tasks included in the development of the Lawrence Route and Schedule Design for Coordinated Transportation Plan. Once approved, these standards and policies will help guide the city and the university in evaluating both proposed and existing service. These standards will also enable the development of the next phase of the coordination effort which will include recommendations on the coordination of additional routes and services.
Outreach – Planning team members from both the city and the university have been working together on several outreach events. With the coordination of services working together and sharing outreach activities has become a fairly common occurrence. Historically, each entity has performed independently from one another. The coordination of services and the combined Guide to Ride has made it easy to not only do joint events but has allowed staff members to better understand al the services available within the city.
Google Transit - Late last year the city joined with Google Transit, a service that allows users to plan trips on public transportation systems throughout the world. The service has proven to be successful in assisting rides to plan their trips. With the start of service on route #11 the planning team has begun working to include, not just route #11, but all of the university routes in the service. This process will demand a considerable effort from the planning team over the next few months.