The University of Kansas Transportation Center will soon begin the feasibility study for fixed bus routes in Junction City and Grandview Plaza.

Pat Weaver with the KU Transportation Center presented an overview of how they will conduct the study Monday to the Geary County Commission.

Weaver explained that they have already done some preliminary research on the use of bus services within Junction City and Grandview plaza using numbers from 2013.

“We started out looking at the overall demographics of the area. So we’re interested in the population density in the community, and then looking at where the individuals live who are more likely to use transit services,” says Weaver.

When the study actually kicks off they will look more in depth at the demographics to help determine where the fixed routes would be and where they should place bus stops.

Florence Whitebread, Geary County Commissioner explained that she feels there is a need for fixed routes within Junction City and Grandview Plaza.

“Especially the need to get to jobs. Jobs and education are our two highest priorities of people currently using the bus,” says Whitebread.

The feasibility study is being funded by ATA Bus and is expected to be completed by the middle of May 2015. The hope would be to have fixed routes in place within a year from now.