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:	Tom Markus, City Manager
DATE:	June 14, 2016
RE:	Greyhound Bus Stop 90 day extension for temporary stop at 6th & New Hampshire

Background

The Greyhound Bus provides daily service to Lawrence on its route between Topeka and Kansas City three 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 and Crestline that served as their Lawrence stop.  In 2015 the gas station closed and in December 2015 the City Commission approved use of the turnout at 6th and New Hampshire for a temporary location until June 30, 2016 (see attached map).

The Greyhound Area manager tasked with finding a permanent location is no longer with the company and new Greyhound staff is planning to travel to Lawrence to renew the search in July (see attached correspondence).

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 recommends extending the temporary location for 90 days to provide Greyhound time to find a new permanent location to continue to serve Lawrence in the future. 

Action

Approve a 90 day extension of the 6th & New Hampshire turn out to service the Greyhound Bus Stop until September 28, 2016.