What do you think about the two proposed route scenarios?

Lawrence Transit and KU on Wheels are considering options to improve bus service for current and prospective riders. The maps below show two potential service redesign scenarios. For reference, the current system map is shown below as well.

Both of the proposed scenarios are built on the notion that a strong transit network consists of strong individual routes. This means that each route must be easy to access and intuitive to understand. Each route must also include a healthy mix of ridership generators such as high-density housing, grocery and retail centers, medical facilities, and academic institutions.

                                                                                                                                                            Full Video of Both Scenarios

Click for brief descriptions of each route by Scenario: Scenario 1 and Scenario 2. Please note that the route numbers used in each scenario are only placeholders. While the current route naming convention in Lawrence conveys important information such as service operator and funding institution, the route numbers in the scenarios are only intended to help readers understand the evolutionary history of each proposed route. Final route numbers will be determined at a later stage in the study.

Both scenarios also include microtransit service to complement the fixed-route network. Microtransit is an app-based demand response service that operates like Uber and Lyft, but utilizes transit-specific vehicles and offers affordable and predictable fares. Microtransit is an effective tool for serving automobile-oriented environments, but to be most productive, microtransit trips must be kept relatively short. This can be achieved through the implementation of a zone structure (Scenario 1) or distance-based pricing (Scenario 2). With a zone structure, passengers wishing to travel beyond the boundaries of one zone must transfer to a fixed-route service. With distance-based pricing, microtransit service can be offered city-wide, but fares increase by the mile after an initial low-fare trip distance.

The scenarios have some similarities and many differences. Neither is intended to satisfy everyone. Rather, the study team is interested in knowing which elements in each scenario are most popular, with the aim of incorporating those into a final recommended scenario. Please share your thoughts by completing the survey at the bottom of the page. 

Thank you!  

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