ElectionTop story
Lawrence voters appear to have approved a higher transit sales tax, unofficial results show
Lawrence voters split about 56% yes, 44% no on the transit tax
Source: Lawrence Journal-World
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| Amount | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 56% | 56% |
| No | 44% | 44% |
If you ride Lawrence Transit or just shop in town, this one touches you. Voters passed the increase Tuesday, according to unofficial results. With 100% of Douglas County precincts reporting around 9:45 p.m., Lawrence voters were split about 56% yes and 44% no on raising the rate from 0.2% to 0.3%. Mayor Brad Finkeldei called it "a big night for the city."
Lawrence Transit Director Felice Lavergne said in October that without the increase, the number of city-maintained routes could shrink to three or four. KU's campus is served by routes 4, 8, 11 and 12.
- New cost: 6 cents per $20 spent, up from 4 cents
- Fixed-route buses: 11 routes, free to ride
- Operating costs: $5.8 million in 2016, $11.1 million in 2025
- Canvass location: 711 W. 23rd St., Suite 1, open to the public
The higher transit rate would start April 1, 2027
- Nov. 16The Douglas County canvass, set for 9 a.m., makes results official.
- April 2027The new 0.3% transit sales tax rate would go into effect.
- March 2029The current 0.2% rate was set to expire.
- March 2037The 0.3% rate would last through March 31.
Sources: The Lawrence Times, Lawrence Journal-World
