by Terah Lakey
The Metro, the nickname for the Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) bus service, began offering service to Longview Community College this semester. Students without vehicles, with disabilities or impairments or those who want to save money on high gas prices now can ride to and from their classes on public transportation.
Andrew Scott, a 19-year-old Longview student, said that his vision keeps him from driving.
“Even with my glasses on, I still can’t drive,” he said. Scott began riding in August and attends classes almost every day.
Other students ride the bus for a variety of reasons. Justin Albert and Tanner Jensen ride the bus since being left without a car by auto accidents. Tanner and Jensen both live in the Bannister Mall area, where the Longview bus connects. Albert said the bus is “not a bad ride. It seems safe and the drivers
are cool.”
When Jensen has the chance, he will get another car, he said, but plans to ride the bus as long as gas prices remain high.
James Wells has been driving this route since it began two months ago and said he has heard a combination
of reasons for student riders, including those who don’t want to have to find a parking spot. About gas prices, Wells said, “They’re high. I ride the bus myself – to work.”
The new bus stop is located at the circle drive of the main entrance to the college. The 12-passenger, air conditioned bus arrives every hour, 10 minutes after the hour and leaves at 20 minutes after the hour, from 7:10 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. The Metro makes four stops on its route from Longview, ending at the 88th and Hillcrest Transit Center, where riders can easily transfer to other routes.
Rates range from $1 to $3 for adults usually include transfers. KCATA offer a reduced fare program, cheaper
monthly passes, transfers to the Kansas City, Kan. and Johnson County bus lines, and buses equipped with self-loading bike racks. Route schedules are available at the information desk at Longview Campus Center.
For more information, call the Metro’s regional call center at (816)221-0600.
September 16, 2005
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