Connected City Advisory Board members on Monday approved charging a $3 fare for use of Lawrence Transit’s on-demand service as federal grants the city has received in the past are going to expire next year.
With the $3 fare implemented for on-demand rides effective March 1, 2026, buses on city and university routes will remain free to ride, as will paratransit service, according to the city.
“A $3 fare will keep the service operating at current levels,” according to a Tuesday news release from the city. “The technology introduced in 2023 has doubled the number of trips that can be completed using the same number of operating hours.”
Lawrence Transit On Demand allows riders to get to and from their destinations when regular buses aren’t available — between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, from midnight to 6 a.m. Sundays, and during the day from 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays.
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Most riders book rides through the Lawrence Transit On Demand app or online, but people can also call 785-312-7054 during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, to schedule a ride in advance.
On average, 8% of the city’s scheduled on-demand trips — about 386 trips per month — are no-shows, according to the city. Staff members believe adding the fares will provide “a more consistent rider experience and improve trip availability.”
In addition, “With grants expiring, we can’t afford the app without fares,” according to a Monday presentation to the advisory board. “… We’d stand to lose the potential of $151,000 per year when considering potential revenue + tech fees.”
The city conducted a survey that received 82 responses. A majority of riders — around 60% — said they would be able to continue to ride the same amount or less often with a $3 fare added, and 40% said they would not be able to use the service with a fare.
Most respondents — 63.3% and 77%, respectively — said they would not be able to afford to keep riding if there were a $5 or $7 fare added.
Find more information, including fixed route maps and info about how to book an on-demand ride, at lawrencetransit.org. Read more and see answers to FAQs about the service at this link.
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