Time’s up: City cancels bus service contract
Columbus’ contract with Lawrence Transit System to bring public transportation to the city is officially null and void.
Mayor Robert Smith said he spoke with LTS coordinator Dorothy Dowdell Thursday and informed her it would be in the best interest of the city going forward if the contract was canceled.
Lawrence Transit gets 30-day extension
Thirty days means 30 days.
By a 3-2 vote, the Columbus City Council approved a request from Lawrence Transit System for a 30-day extension to begin bus service to the city. The vote came during Tuesday’s council meeting. With the vote, the council stipulated that if the buses aren’t rolling by Dec. 6, the city’s contract with LTS is null and void.
Mayor wants council to vote on bus service extension
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith received a letter from Lawrence Transit System on Thursday stating that the private bus service could begin providing service to the city “within 30 days.”
Future of bus system in dark
Early last month, Lawrence Transit System officials told Columbus councilmen a public transportation system would begin operating in the city in three to four weeks.
Downtown bus stops removed
City officials have confirmed that the planned bus stops at the corners of Fifth and Main streets have been deleted from Lawrence Transit’s route.
Other areas close to the intersection but not in the city’s historic district are being considered as alternatives by LTS director of Columbus operations Dorothy Dowdell.
Historic commission tables bus shelter request
They like the idea of public buses. They don’t like the idea of bus stop shelters at the intersection of Fifth and Main streets.
That’s what downtown business owners and residents told the Columbus Historic Preservation Commission during a meeting Thursday. The commission was considering a request from Lawrence Transit System to construct four shelters at that intersection, as well as one at the intersection of 12th and College streets.
Lawrence Transit to go before historic commission
When the Historic Preservation Commission meets next week, one of the matters they will take up is whether to approve the installation of five bus stops and shelters within Columbus historic districts.
City bus service delayed again
For the second time, a planned bus service for the city of Columbus has been stalled before it was to begin. On Tuesday city officials learned that some of the bus stops Lawrence Transit wants to have in its routes require Historic Preservation Commission approval.
Mayor OKs time extension for bus service
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith agreed to a 17-day extension Friday to Lawrence Transit System to have its bus service up and running.
Insurance issue halts Lawrence Transit
An insurance issue centering around shelters at bus stops has prevented Lawrence Transit System from meeting today’s deadline for the start of its operations.
Negotiations for bus service in holding pattern
More than three months after local officials visited Lawrence Transit System’s main headquarters in Indiana, negotiations to contract the public bus service for use in Columbus remain ongoing.
Officials optimistic after Lawrence Transit visit
Local officials returned from a fact-finding mission in Indiana late Wednesday with optimism toward Lawrence Transit System’s proposal to provide public transportation in Columbus, saying only a few minor details need to be worked out before the company can begin providing its services here.
City officials to travel to Indiana to observe bus service
A clearer picture could emerge about the potential for a bus service in Columbus when city officials travel to Lawrence, Ind., next week to meet with representatives from Lawrence Transit System, city director of federal programs Travis Jones said Friday.
Talks continue over Columbus bus service
Although there has been little public discussion on the matter over the past couple of months, negotiations to allow a private bus company to operate in Columbus are still being discussed, city attorney Jeff Turnage said.
City Council approves bus line
An independent transportation company will be allowed to operate a bus line in Columbus.
Council to take closer look at bus deal
Discussions between an Indiana bus company and the Columbus City Council are expected to continue Tuesday night.
Our view: Questions need answering before we get on the bus
Last week, Lawrence Transit System, an Indiana company that wants to establish a bus service in Columbus, sent a letter to local media via Travis Jones, the city’s director of federal programs.
City continues to negotiate bus service contract
With proposed bus routes and a campaign for private donations in play, Lawrence Transit System is poised to bring its services to Columbus. But months after it was initially discussed, the Indiana-based transit system still does not have a contractual agreement with the city.