- Big changes for transit service effective August 2
- LKPD Captain graduates from FBI Academy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Energy Conservation Fair & Sustainable Homes Tour to be held
- LKPD Captain graduates from FBI Academy
Big changes for transit service effective August 2
Coordination efforts between the City and KU enter 2nd year
Change is in the air for the buses on the streets of Lawrence. Service changes beginning August 2 will have an impact on almost half of the transit routes.
The changes are intended to improve access to the city and university, increase service frequency, and make the best use of resources available.
Changes were based on the second round of recommendations issued in March by a team of nationally recognized transportation specialists hired to assist in coordinating the transit systems operated by the City of Lawrence and The University of Kansas. Those recommendations were then shared with the public and modified based on feedback received to become the changes that were implemented August 2.
“These route changes are the culmination of a considerable planning process,” said Robert Nugent, Transit Administrator. “The highlights include better connections on the west side of town, more transfer opportunities, and a new style of service known as Flex on Route 3.”
The initial round of service changes began last fall and largely centered on the introduction of Route 11, the first route operated jointly by the city and university. Route 11 was created to serve as the spine of the coordinated transit system. It connects with nearly every other route in the city and university systems.
“Route 11 has become a tremendously successful route during the first year,” said Derek Meier, KU Transportation Coordinator. “Ridership is up, buses are full, feedback is positive, and expectations have been exceeded.”
The two transit systems have been working cooperatively over the last few years, maximizing the service that can be provided with available resources. Each year, service adjustments will be made in August to coincide with the start of the university’s school year.
More details are available in the new Guide to Ride, which includes route and schedule information for both city and university bus routes. Guides are available on buses, at City Hall, grocery stores, and across the KU campus. To get help planning a route or for more information, call (785) 864-4644 or visit www.lawrencetransit.org.
Route Service Changes
Route 1 and Route 2 have been merged into a single route, called Route 1. The route serves East Lawrence from Downtown to 23rd Street and Haskell Indian Nations University.
Route 2 will no longer exist.
Route 3 has been modified to include peak and off-peak alignments, and an off-peak Flex zone. During off-peak periods, the fixed route will end at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and riders may call and schedule to be picked up at any address in the Flex service area.
Route 5 has been split into two routes, called Route 5 and Route 9. Route 5 travels from South Iowa to the East Hills Business Park. Route 9 travels from South Iowa to 6th and Wakarusa.
Route 6 has been split into two routes called Route 6 and Route 10. Route 6 travels from Downtown to 6th and Wakarusa, via 6th Street. Route 10 travels from Downtown to 6th and Wakarusa via 9th and 15th Streets, and will return via the KU campus.
Route 7 was modified to create more frequency. There were no changes to the route alignment.
Route 9 is a new route created by splitting Route 5 into two routes. It travels from South Iowa to 6th and Wakarusa.
Route 10 is a new route created by splitting Route 6 into two routes. It travels from Downtown to 6th and Wakarusa via 9th and 15th Streets, and will return via the KU campus.
Route 26 alignment was modified to reduce overcrowding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I dispose of bulk items?
A: Call Solid Waste at (785) 832-3032 for a pick up of large items like appliances or couches. Up to five auto tires may also be picked up free each year. You can also consider donating usable items such as televisions, furniture and appliances to local charities.
Q: I’ve heard of ‘good neighbor ordinances’. What does that mean and what are some of the most common guidelines associated with this term?
A: Good habits make good neighbors. Most commonly, the city receives questions on roommates, noise and parking in residential areas. The guidelines are below:
Roommates – No more than three unrelated persons can reside in one housing unit in a neighborhood zoned single family.
Noise – Music should not be heard outside of your house. It is illegal to play music from a vehicle that can be heard from 50 feet away.
Parking – Do not park on lawns or sidewalks. Vehicles parked on streets must be moved every 48 hours.
Utility Billing
The City of Lawrence Utility Billing division offers residents the opportunity to start, stop and transfer service electronically through our website. To find out more about your water bill, call (785) 832-7878, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or sign up for electronic billing at www.lawrenceks.org/utility_billing.
You can pay your utility bill online with a Visa or MasterCard. A convenience fee of $3.95 is charged for each credit card transaction made online or by telephone. Visit www.lawrenceks.org/utility_billing for more information on online payments and utility policies.
Energy Conservation Fair & Sustainable Homes Tour to be held
Concerned about the price of gas? Looking to save on winter heating? Interested in energy efficiency tax incentives? Learn how to save energy, money, and the environment at the 2010 Lawrence Energy Conservation Fair on Saturday, September 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Community Building, located at 115 W. 11th Street. The event is free and open to the public.
Throughout the day you will have opportunities to view energy conservation exhibits and consult with experts on how their products and services can lower your utility bills and increase energy efficiency. Exhibitors will include area builders, architects, heating and cooling experts, government agencies, non-profits, and alternatively-fueled vehicle representatives.
The Sustainable Homes Tour will occur on Saturday, September 11 in conjunction with the Lawrence Energy Conservation Fair. The tour will showcase renewable energy building design, materials, construction methods, and energy saving appliances. Tour tickets will be sold at the Fair and buses will leave from the Community Building at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.LawrenceRecycles.org.
LKPD Captain graduates from FBI Academy
Lawrence Police Captain Tarik Khatib recently returned to Lawrence after spending two-and-a-half months in Quantico, 
Virginia at the FBI National Academy. Khatib became Lawrence’s latest law enforcement officer to graduate from the Academy and the seventh officer to graduate from this prestigious program in the department’s history.
Khatib currently serves as one of six captains in the department. His current duty includes supervision of the Information Services Division which consists of information technology, records, Office of Professional Accountability, media, evidence, and animal and parking control. He has served on the LKPD force since 1992. Khatib’s previous duties within the Police Department include patrol, the drug unit and investigations supervision.
Citizen’s Academy
- Now taking applications for the 19th Citizens’ Academy.
- October 5 to November 4 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- Applications and more information available at www.lawrenceks.org/police.
- Questions can be directed to (785) 830-7410.