Loss of Peasley Tech park‑and‑ride cited as barrier for Douglas County college students

At the Douglas County commission meeting on June 10, resident and community‑college instructor Tim Hamilton urged the board to consider county support to restore a Peasley Tech K10 park‑and‑ride stop that Johnson County Transit removed in October 2024.

Hamilton described students who previously parked at Peasley Tech and used the K10 connector to travel between Lawrence and Johnson County Community College. "When that park and ride went away ... those students ... their transportation ended unless they're going to provide it themselves," he said, adding that many students parked older vehicles and rely on the bus to pursue training in fields such as dental technology, culinary arts and nursing.

Hamilton estimated a county contribution to reestablish the stop could cost between $40,000 and $80,000, driven by diesel and operating expense assumptions. He said Douglas County currently contributes no share and asked the commission to put the matter on a future agenda; he said he would submit supporting information to staff.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff noted that the decision to remove the stop was made by Johnson County Transit, not the Douglas County commission, but the county can consider whether it wants to contribute funding or negotiate service adjustments. Restoring a stop would be a targeted, local intervention to address access to post‑secondary education and workforce training.

Next steps: Hamilton said he will provide information and requested the board consider adding the item to a future meeting agenda for formal consideration.