Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Transit

TO:	Thomas M. Markus, Lawrence City Manager
FROM:	Robert Nugent, Transit Administrator
CC:	Brandon McGuire, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE:	March 17, 2017
RE:	2017 Student Summer Bus Pass Program

Background

The annual Lawrence Transit Student Summer Bus Pass program began in Lawrence in the summer of 2013 and has been offered to students every summer since then. The $10.00 bus pass was designed to give K-12 students the opportunity to have unlimited bus rides during the months of June, July and August. The normal price for a monthly bus pass for K-12 students is $17.00, so the Student Summer Bus Pass is deeply discounted.

The reason that Lawrence Transit began the program was to provide students the opportunity to become more independent and teach the youth of Lawrence how to use the bus system. It also reduces the dependency on automobiles, improves air quality and teaches students to develop an appreciation for alternative transportation. 

When the program began, the bus passes were only for sale at the Lawrence Transit Administrative Office, but each year the number of bus pass outlets has grown.  In 2016 the bus passes were available at all of the Parks and Recreation facilities, including both Aquatic Centers, all four Dillons stores in Lawrence, both Hy-Vee stores, The Merc and City Hall. 

The Lawrence Public Library has been a key partner in this program from the start.  Each year, the library purchases 100 Student Summer Bus Passes to give to kids participating in their Summer Reading Program.  A representative from the Lawrence Public Library visits public schools in Lawrence to talk about their program and to let students know that they may be able to receive a free bus pass during the summer. They also pass out flyers on the program to give to the parents showing the various bus pass sales outlets and dates.

The number of Student Summer Bus Passes sold has increased around 80%, from around 300 passes the first year to 537 last year.  Students are proud to show off their bus pass to their friends, and word of mouth is a big reason our bus pass sales have increased each year.  The increased bus pass sales outlets, partnerships in the community and increased advertising have also helped get the word out.

Since the program has been so successful, Lawrence Transit has made the decision to make the bus pass good for the months of May, June, July and August starting in 2017.  This would allow students to start using the bus earlier, especially since school lets out around May 24.

Plans are in the works to create a pilot program for a Semester Pass that would be good for K-12 students during the school year.  It would be similar to the Student Summer Bus Pass program where it would cost $10.00 for a four month pass.  This would encourage more students to use Lawrence Transit to get to and from school and to use the bus for after school activities. It would also be a terrific savings for many kids who may have struggles purchasing a monthly bus pass.