It was a snowy day in December, a quarter of a century ago, when Lawrence Transit rolled its first buses out onto the streets. The date was December 16, 2000.

The city’s public transit buses have traveled 15,932,318 fixed-route miles in the last 25 years, carrying 16,725,769 people to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores, and many more destinations.

Lawrence Transit, originally known as “The T,” started city bus service when citizens of Lawrence recognized a need for transit in their community. Beginning with eight fixed routes and paratransit “T Lift” service, transit was off to a great start.

Over the years, Lawrence Transit has added new services and reached new milestones.

• A long-standing partnership with KU Transportation Services has given riders the advantage of more seamless service. Anyone in Lawrence can ride any fixed-route bus, and information about routes and schedules is combined for easier access.
• Lawrence Transit went fare free in 2023. Fare free service started as a pilot program and is now evaluated on an annual basis for renewal.
• Lawrence Transit On Demand also started in 2023, offering rides scheduled via an app. It operates when fixed-route service does not, typically after 8 p.m. every night and during the daytime on Sundays.
• Central Station opened in 2024, at Bob Billings Parkway and Crestline Drive. The facility has eight covered bays for Lawrence Transit buses, as well as space for the K-10 Connector and Greyhound services. Amenities include public restrooms, an indoor waiting area, library books, bike racks and bike lockers, and digital signs with bus arrival information.
• The addition of mobile tools has made life easier for bus riders, providing real-time bus information and showing where the bus is on a route. Transit app is the current recommended app to use.
• Bike racks are available on all buses, allowing riders to complete trips using a bike and bus.
• Bus stop and amenity improvements have made riding the bus more comfortable and accessible while waiting for the bus.
• A renewed Travel Training program gives individuals and groups hands-on experience with using public transportation.
• Community partnerships have included the Poet Laureate program, working with Indigenous artists on designs for bus shelters and vehicles, partnering with artists from VanGo, collaborating with Lawrence Public Library for Books & Buses storytime, activating the vendor space at Central Station with Boba & Beyond, and launching Thriving Thursdays with Harvesters and Just Food.

Visit our new online shop to find your Lawrence Transit gear, including limited edition anniversary designs. Every purchase supports your transit system. https://shop.lawrencetransit.org/

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