Project Overview
Lawrence Transit is engaging with bus riders to talk about returning fares to our on-demand service. Grants that helped pay for this service expire next year. A $3 fare will keep the service operating at current levels.
Lawrence Transit On Demand started in September 2023, with funds from a KDOT Access, Innovation, and Collaboration grant. We’ve provided 89,264 rides since it was launched, increasing efficiency and convenience with an app-based service, with 94% of riders booking through the app. Before that, Lawrence Transit operated an overnight service called Night Line from 2014 – 2022. This service cost $2 per ride and was scheduled in advance by phone. Night Line provided on average 14,796 rides annually, compared with 29,755 average annual rides provided by Lawrence Transit On Demand.
Status + Timeline + Next Steps
Status
In Progress
Timeline
Project Start: October 2025
Project End: Q1 2026
Milestone 1: Survey open – October 6 to November 2, 2025 – In Progress
Milestone 2: Connected City Advisory Board presentation – October 20 – Not Started
Milestone 3: Connected City Advisory Board approval – November 17 – Not Started
Milestone 4: If approved, fares would go into effect – Q1 2026 – Not Started
Next Steps
- Lawrence Transit On Demand Fare Survey is open until November 2nd.
- Connected City Advisory Board will receive a presentation on October 20th with background information and data related to Lawrence Transit On Demand and the public process outlined in the Public Participation Plan.
- Connected City Advisory Board will vote on returning fares to Lawrence Transit On Demand. At this meeting, prior to the vote, they will receive an updated report summarizing survey data.
Completed + Supporting Documentation
- Take the Survey HERE until November 2nd.
- Press Release
Public participation plan
Public Participation Plan: The City of Lawrence shall not propose and/or consider an increase in the regular passenger fare per trip within 12 months of the last fare increase without a majority vote of Connected City Advisory Board (previously PTAC) authorizing the increase proposal. Any increase in rates or fares shall be reviewed by Connected City and approved. Prior to approval, the general public shall be given an opportunity to make comment on the proposed fare increase.
Project partners
On Demand Fare Proposal Milestones
Milestone 1 – Survey
Milestone 2 – Connected City Advisory Board presentation
Active Links Coming Soon
- Link to agenda
- Link to presentation
- Link to report 1
Milestone 3 – Connected City Advisory Board vote
Active Links Coming Soon
- Link to agenda
- Link to presentation
- Link to report 2
- Link to decision
Milestone 4
Dates and details based on approvals
More information
Rider feedback has shown consistent issues with trip availability. On average, 8% of our scheduled trips are no-shows, which is about 386 trips per month. These no-shows represent trips that could have served other riders. It is projected that returning fares to this service will provide a more consistent rider experience and improve trip availability.
Other efforts to lower the no-show rate include implementing an On Demand Suspension Policy. This policy will remain in place if fares are implemented.
The three types of public transit provided in Lawrence are:
- Fixed-route service is available to everyone and is accessed by waiting at a bus stop. This includes city and university routes.
- Paratransit service, also called T Lift, is for folks who are unable to get to the bus stop or need extra help. There is an application process for riders.
- On-demand service is for everyone and is scheduled via an app called Lawrence Transit On Demand. It operates when fixed-route ser vice does not, typically after 8 p.m. every night and during the daytime on Sundays.
The City of Lawrence budget for 2026 includes funding to continue fare free transit for fixed-route and paratransit services for next year. Fare free service started as a pilot program in 2023 and is now evaluated on an annual basis for renewal.