Budget proposes eliminating peak service and the Westside Connector
Wichita Transit will hold a public hearing regarding proposed service changes at 6:30 p.m. today in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 455 N. Main.
Due to increasing operating costs and lower than expected revenues, the Transit budget is experiencing a $540,000 shortfall. City of Wichita officials are proposing hourly stops as opposed to the current half-hour stops during morning and evening peak service. Transit’s peak hours are generally from 5:45 to 8:45 a.m. and 3:45 and 6:45 p.m. Service reductions will include the elimination of a service that transports riders to Goodwill Industries at 37th and Oliver. That service, known as the Goodwill bus, provides one morning and one evening trip during peak hours. City officials are discussing an alternative for the Goodwill route.
Also proposed is the elimination of the Westside Connector route, which provides service to northwest Wichita and Mid-Continent Airport. The Westside Connector is experiencing low ridership. City officials are exploring ways to serve users of the Westside Connector. The proposal maintains half-hour stops for two routes – South Main and East Harry. South Main and East Harry will not be reduced to hourly service, because they are the two longest Wichita Transit routes and must run 30-minute frequencies to meet buses with shorter routes at the Transit Center.
The proposed service changes, which must be approved by the Wichita City Council, would take effect on June 9. Transportation will be available after today’s public hearing. Visitors to City Hall must go through security. Comments can also be mailed to Wichita Transit, 777 E. Waterman, Wichita, KS 67202 or by calling 265-1450.
