Since 2010, Lawrence Transit has operated the majority of bus transfers from temporary locations in Downtown. Site selection studies in 2014 and 2018, in addition to a TIGER grant application in 2016, informed potential viable sites for a permanent facility. In July 2020 the City and University of Kansas agreed to develop Central Station on university property located at Bob Billings & Crestline Drive.
Because the project site is not located near a current transfer area, a Route Redesign Study was conducted in 2021-2022 to take advantage of this new facility. In the course of the Route Redesign Study, it became clear that permanent improvements for Downtown transfers are required to facilitate routes that will still operate in that area. Downtown Station improvements are now separate from the Central Station project.
With Central Station complete and served by 7 routes, 5 routes will continue to serve Downtown Station. More than $1.6 million of state funds have been awarded for Downtown Station. Site selection was completed in December 2024. The location will be City parking Lot #14, in the 700 block of Vermont St. The lot is on the northeast corner of 8th and Vermont Streets. Concept design is anticipated to begin in 2026, with construction likely in 2027 or 2028.
More information: https://lawrencetransit.org/projects/downtown-station/