Skip redundant pieces
Oread

R. Steve Dick/University Relations

A new, ADA-compliant bus passes Dyche Hall. The buses are more environmentally friendly than the KU on Wheels buses they are replacing.

New fleet of buses roll across campus

Earlier this month, a new fleet of ADA-compliant, more environmentally friendly buses started traveling across the KU campus. KU has contracted with MV Transportation, the same company that operates the Lawrence city bus system, to provide its KU on Wheels service.

"MV Transportation submitted the most cost-effective proposal and is offering new and innovative services," said Danny Kaiser, assistant director of Parking and Transit.

Although MV Transportation's fleet will all be ADA-compliant, KU on Wheels' lift-van service will still be available. One fare-free bus route will be added to the current schedule to provide transportation to and from lots 90, 91 and 94. This will bring bus service to the Student Recreation and Fitness Center and JRP Hall.ÊThe remaining routes and schedules will remain the same.

KU on Wheels is currently funded and operated by KU's Student Senate Transportation Board. This summer, all of its operations will be transferred to Parking and Transit. A transit commission of students, faculty and staff will be formed to advise the provost on service and policy matters related to the system.

NOTABLE ALUMS

KU grad Cynthia Leitich Smith has become a well-known writer in and around Austin, Texas. The Library of Congress recently announced she is among 70 writers chosen to participate in the seventh annual National Book Festival. Smith has written several books for young readers. She graduated from KU and the University of Michigan Law School. She won the 2001 Wordcraft Circle Award for children's literature, but her latest novel, "Tantalize," is a dark fantasy.