Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Charles F. Soules, P.E., Director of Public Works
FROM:	David P. Cronin, P.E., City Engineer
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager Casey Toomay, Assistant City Manager
DATE:	December 9, 2015
RE:	Greyhound Bus Stop

Background

The Greyhound Bus provides daily service to Lawrence on its route between Topeka and Kansas City three (3) times a day at 8:55 a.m., 1:55 p.m., and 5:50 p.m..  The bus travels the turnpike and stops in Lawrence only long enough for those boarding or departing the bus and their luggage; between 1-3 minutes.  Greyhound uses online ticketing and with low ridership doesn't need a dedicated structure to serve customers.  Greyhound had a partnership with the gas station on the southeast corner of 6th Street and Crestline that served as their Lawrence stop.  Earlier this year, the gas station closed and Greyhound began to investigate new locations while they continued to use the parking lot of the gas station. 

In November, the property owner notified Greyhound they would no longer be able to use the parking lot unless they came to terms on a monthly fee.  Greyhound was unable to negotiate a deal they could afford and their ability to stop in Lawrence was in jeopardy.  City staff was notified of the situation on very short notice and reviewed a few short term solutions until the Greyhound representative could make it to Lawrence and find a new location.  Locations and situations as follows:

• Union Pacific Depot in North Lawrence - the circle drive and parking lot would create conflicts particularly evenings and weekends when events are being held such as wedding receptions.
• On Florida Street just north of 6th Street (adjacent to gas station) - Florida Street is a narrow 20' chip seal street without curb and gutter that was recently patched and overlaid last year.  Busses stopping on the street would compromise the condition of a street without substantial structure.
• Vermont Street - downtown at the city bus hub - there isn't adequate space to accommodate with the area the Lawrence Transit busses need.
• North 3rd Street east of Woody's Gas Station - busses would not be able to turn around in cul-de-sac or cross private parking lot.

As an emergency short term location, Greyhound has been stopping on the street at 7th and New Jersey Streets for the past month.  The Greyhound Area Manager came to Lawrence two (2) weeks ago to find a new permanent home for the stop.  They were unable to negotiate a location with any private property owners within relative proximity to the turnpike including hotels, gas stations and strip malls.  Greyhound has asked the city to assist in designating a location for their service or they will need to stop serving Lawrence.

Staff Recommendation

The Greyhound Bus stop is a valuable asset to the community that provides an alternate mode of transportation for the residents and visitors of Lawrence.  Staff does not recommend Greyhound continue to use 7th and New Jersey Streets for a stop, but would suggest using the westbound turn out at 6th and New Hampshire Streets to accommodate the bus for a temporary time period of six (6) months (see attached map).  This would provide Greyhound an adequate period of time to find a new permanent location to continue to serve Lawrence in the future.  Staff will install signage at the turnout that designates the bus stopping times.

Action

Approve the use of the 6th and New Hampshire Streets turn out to service the Greyhound Bus Stop until June 30, 2016.