Residents of Lawrence will be getting a bus system this week, which will fill a much-needed void within the city.
“We see some citizens walking all the time. We’ve seen people walking in hail storms, when it’s hot in the summertime – we just saw a need and thought we’d do something about it,” said Joe Williams, board member for the newly formed Lawrence Transit System.
Keith Johnson, deputy chief of staff for the City of Lawrence, said that Williams and others approached Mayor Dean Jessup about the lack of transportation in the city but was informed that a city-sponsored bus system would take more taxes and time to create.
Despite this and the fact that there are a handful of IndyGo stops in Lawrence, such as the Lawrence Defense Finance Center and Ivy Tech Community College Lawrence campus, Williams and other concerned members of the community wanted a bus system with more stops started immediately.
To do so, they banded together to form the Lawrence Transit System, raised funds and added additional routes throughout the entire city.
According to board member Cliff Redden, Lawrence Transit System board members have raised more than $300,000 in private funds to launch the bus system, for initial operating costs and other necessities such as licensing and insurance. To help sustain the system, the board has applied for federal grants and anticipates receiving additional funding this summer.
The board has also received advice from IndyGo on issues such as business plans and hours of service.
“We also suggested that when they plan their initial routing they connect with IndyGo for easy transfers. We’re supportive of entities wanting to supplement our service or provide access where we’re not able to,” said Samantha Cross, vice president of business development at IndyGo. “I think a lot of residents appreciate more mass transit in our community.”
Beginning May 19 passengers can travel around the city for $2 one way or purchase a $5 all day pass. Affordable monthly passes are also available. To celebrate this occasion, a kickoff celebration will be held Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Pendleton Pike Walmart, one of Lawrence Transit System’s 21 bus stops.
Buses are currently scheduled to run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Stops can be recognized by their red, black and white signage, which were installed by the City of Lawrence.
Board member Paula Redden said that many people in the community are excited about the new bus system, particularly area businesses.
“They know a bus system will bring in employees and extra business,” she said.
Cynthia Williams, board member, added that the bus system also provides jobs to Lawrence citizens. The system is still in the process of hiring bus drivers.
Presently, Lawrence Transit system has six buses, three that can accommodate disabled riders, but Cliff Redden stated as funds and ridership increase, additional buses and routes will be added.
“We’re thrilled. The mayor also wants (a citywide bus system) and then a non-profit group comes in and says ‘Hey we’ll do it’ so this is awesome,” said Johnson.
He added that the issue of a Central Indiana transit system is expected to arise in the upcoming session of the Indiana Legislature. If lawmakers and citizens come to an agreement, a larger system will be created that will include the City of Lawrence.
For more information, call (317) 488-0879 or visit www.lawrencetransitsystem.org.
