On Demand Fare Proposal

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 – Completed
Milestone 2: Connected City Advisory Board presentation – October 20 – Completed
Milestone 3: Connected City Advisory Board approval – November 17 – Completed
Milestone 4: If approved, fares would go into effect – Q1 2026 – In Progress

Next Steps

  • Connected City Advisory Board voted to return fares to Lawrence Transit On Demand on November 17.  Riders can expect more communications in early 2026 about how to prepare for fares.

Completed + Supporting Documentation

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

Milestone 3 – Connected City Advisory Board vote

Milestone 4

Fares for Lawrence Transit On Demand will go into effect on March 1, 2026.

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.