Coordinated transit system signs service provider contract

LAWRENCE – The city of Lawrence and the University of Kansas today announced the signing of a new five-year contract for transportation services with MV Transportation Inc.

The current contract with MV Transportation Inc. to provide public transportation services expires Dec. 31. In August 2013, the city and the university issued a joint request for proposals for public transportation services from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2018. 

After reviewing the proposals, the Purchase Negotiating Committee, composed of both city and university staff, recommended MV as the contract provider. The City Commission approved the recommendation, and a contract has been signed with MV Transportation to provide service for the next five years.

Although the RFP was jointly issued, each entity negotiated a separate contract. While many aspects of the contracts are identical, there remain several unique service aspects and funding sources that require separate contracts. 

“KU’s contract includes the SafeRide and SafeBus programs as well as some university special events services that the city does not provide. We are happy to be continuing our positive relationship with MV,” said Danny Kaiser, KU assistant director of Parking & Transit. 

KU Student Body President Marcus Tetwiler said that the retention of MV Transit was a positive move for students.

"The importance of continuity in a system as wide-ranging and complex as ours is paramount,” Tetwiler said. “With the student voice central in the decision, retaining MV was mutually agreed upon by KU and the city of Lawrence. In my experience MV has made their operations available to student researchers and has assisted in several student projects and initiatives. I'm excited to see what KU on Wheels and Lawrence Transit will accomplish with the continued support of MV in the coming years."

“We have been very pleased with the performance of MV over the last 13 years,” said Robert Nugent, city transit administrator. “We look forward to working together to continue improving public transportation for our community.”

For more information, visit Lawrence Transit or call (785) 864-4644.