Wichita Transit is reporting around 850 rides a day in the past week with public school students using the bus system to get to class.
Senior Communications Specialist Nate Hinkel said there were 70 students per day using a summer free ride program to get to jobs and activities. He said the bus system is providing direct access to most of the middle schools and high schools. He said buses are full during the mornings and afternoons, and additional buses are being added to provide more capacity. He said during the spring, the system averaged 23,000 student rides per month.
Hinkel said discounted student passes are available for the semester and the school year, and more information is available at wichitatransit.org
Ridership is expected to increase in the next week with classes beginning at Wichita State University. The system provides free service for students, faculty and staff at WSU.
Drivers are urged to be careful in school zones and near bus stops. Mayor Brandon Whipple said police officers will be working near schools to enforce traffic laws and improve safety.
