In this issue:
- The T – Lawrence on the move
- Biosolids reuse earns city EPA award
- FAQ – frequently asked questions
- Switch off / Switch ON – are you ready for digital TV transition?
- Recycle that old TV
The T – Lawrence on the move
In November, Lawrence voters overwhelming approved two sales tax initiatives related to transit. A 0.20% sales tax to support the transit system as it exists currently, and an additional 0.05% sales tax to provide new resources for route enhancements and vehicle improvements.
EXPANDING SERVICES
With a dedicated funding source secured for the next ten years, the city continues to focus on working with the University of Kansas to coordinate between the Lawrence Transit System and KU on Wheels. Cooperation will help better meet the needs of the Lawrence and KU communities.
A planning team, made up of City and University representatives continues to meet. In December, the planning team hosted two open house events to gather input from the public on what the future of transit in Lawrence should look like. Feedback will be used to help design how the city’s transit system and KU On Wheels can coordinate operations in the future. If funding conditions occur and all other requirements are met, the City and KU hope to complete documents to implement seamless serice by July 1, 2009.
Those interested in the latest news, wanting to sign up for email updates, provide comments, or complete an input survey visit: www.getonthebuslawrence.org.
WORKING SMARTER
Making public transit easier
In late 2008, the T became the first public transit system in Kansas to join Google Transit. Google Transit allows users to plan trips on public transit systems throughout the world.
Users enter destination and origin into the online trip planner and receive options for different routes and alternate times. Google Transit is available through a link at www.lawrencetransit.org.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
In 2007, public transit ridership in Lawrence increased by 45%. In recognition of significant expansion of service, Lawrence Transit received an Award of Excellence from the Federal Transit Administration.
Other recent recognitions include taking first place in the American Public Transportation Association’s Ad Wheel competition for our 2007 Annual Report design, and the NAACP 2008 Business Impact Award.
Biosolids reuse earns City EPA award
The US Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the Lawrence biosolids program with a first place award. The award was based on the City’s long-running program which recycles biosolids for both public distribution and land use. This is the second time the City has earned this award. The City’s program has also been accepted into the National Biosolids Partnership’s EMS for Biosolids.
FAQs – frequently asked questions
How do I dispose of my live Christmas tree?
Curbside tree collection will occur on the following days: Monday Jan. 5, 2009 or Monday Jan. 12, 2009. Remove all artificial items and place your live-cut tree at the curb or alley by 6:00 AM.
Where can I learn about City cancellations due to weather?
Lawrence Transit provides bus service changes online at lawrenceks.gov/transit. To sign up for eroutes email notification visit: www.lawrencetransit.org/reroutes/signup.shtml.
For cancellations and schedule changes for classes and programs hosted through the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department call (785) 832-7999 or visit lawrenceks.gov.
For information regarding City Commission or other city-related meetings please visit: lawrenceks.gov.
Switch off / Switch ON – are you ready for digital TV transition?
On February 17, 2009, TV stations will stop analog broadcasting (over- the-air) and will begin broadcasting in digital only.
Viewers who subscribe to pay TV services (cable, satellite) will not be effected. Viewers who watch free over-the-air television with a rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” will need to take action to continue viewing.
WHO NEEDS TO ACT?
- over-the-air viewers using rooftop antennas or “rabbit ears”
- viewers with a second TV not hooked up to cable, satellite, etc.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- February 19, 2009 – final broadcast day for analog TV
- March 31, 2009 – last day to apply for free coupons to purchase DTV converter(s)
BENEFITS OF DIGITAL TV
- frees frequencies for emergency fire and police communications
- allows for additional wireless services including cell phones and other advanced wireless services.
- clearer TV pictures and sound
- more programming choices
THREE WAYS FOR UNINTERRUPTED VIEWING
- To continue using your existing television, you will need a digital TV converter box. Converter boxes are currently available for $40-$70*
- Purchase a television set with built-in digital tuner
- Subscribe to a pay TV service (cable, satellite or telephone company TV service)
* The US government is offering two converter-box coupons valued at $40 each to ALL US households. To apply for a coupon call (888) DTV-2009 or visit www.DTV2009.gov. Coupons expire 90 days after issue.
Transition to digital TV (DTV) is Federally mandated.
Recycle that old TV
Visit: lawrencerecycles.org to learn how to recycle and dispose of electronics properly, or call (785) 832-3030.
City information is available online at lawrenceks.gov and on cable Channel 25.
The Flame is published by the City Manager’s Office, City of Lawrence, P.O. Box 708, Lawrence, Kansas 66044