To:       Mike Wildgen, City Manager

From: Karin Rexroad, Public Transit Administrator

Cc:      Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager

            Dave Corliss, Assistant City Manager

Date:   May 11, 2004

Re:      2005 Budget Request

Presented herein are the 2005 Budget Request and supporting documents for the Public Transportation Fund. 

The Public Transportation division will continue to focus on growth of the Lawrence Transit System’s ridership over the next year.  Our priorities will continue to be:

Ø Placement of passenger amenities, such as benches, ash trays and trash containers that improve the livability for Lawrence neighborhood;

Ø Development of the amenities associated with our transfer hubs located at 9^th and Massachusetts and Four Wheel Drive.

Ø Continue efforts to influence the planning process so that public transportation is considered in all site/development plans and infrastructure improvements, e.g, bus pull-outs and sidewalks;

Ø Further coordination with KU on Wheels, Haskell Indian Nations University and K – 12 schools;

Ø Development and implementation of any approved route enhancements to improve access to transportation for all citizens;

Ø Collection and interpretation of data through the National Transit Database that will provide operating information that will assist in system-wide development, which will also improve access;

Ø Ongoing implementation of an aggressive marketing plan including travel training.

Critical Issues

The increase in Personal Services can be attributed to cost increases for eligible employees as projected by Personnel.  The Contractual Services line item reflects increased costs for the transit provider contract, additional service provision and additional shelter/bus cut out construction and maintenance costs.