City of Lawrence

Public Transit Department

MEMORANDUM

TO:	Mike Wildgen, City Manager
FROM:	Karin Rexroad Public Transit Administrator
DATE:	June 21, 2004
CC:	David Corliss, Assistant City Manager

In an effort to increase ridership on the Lawrence Transit System’s fixed routes and to provide additional transportation opportunities for children and families, the Public Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) makes the following recommendations to the City Commission:

Students K - 12

PTAC recommends that students K – 12 be allowed to ride the “T” for half-fare.  This would place students K - 12 into our Special Patrons fare category which currently includes the disabled, individuals age 60 and over and individuals with a Medicare card.

Haskell Indian Nations University (Haskell)

On June 3^rd, I met with Lori Tapahonso, Executive Assistant/Public Information Officer, and discussed avenues to promote ridership with Haskell’s students.  We agreed that a discounted program combined with promotional events and the sale of passes on campus would be ideal.  These ideas were discussed by PTAC at the June 17^th board meeting.

PTAC recommends that Haskell students be allowed to ride the “T” for half-fare.  This would place Haskell students into our Special Patrons fare category which currently includes the disabled, individuals age 60 and over and individuals with a Medicare card.

Marketing Efforts

Upon City Commission approval, the Marketing Coordinator will work with the Lawrence Public School District to place information in the school’s transportation insert that runs in the Lawrence Journal World.  If the Haskell recommendation is approved, two events are planned with Haskell – Haskell Highlight Night (for freshmen) and Orientation (for students and parents).  In addition, arrangements will be made to sell passes at Haskell’s bookstore.