The Q was established in partnership with the City of Wichita’s Transit Service and the WDDC. The Downtown organization is underwriting 75% of the service’s $29,016 total operating cost. The WDDC originally agreed to fund the system for a one month trial basis but the system’s success persuaded the organization to keep the system operating for another month. While the Q still has room for growth, WDDC President Ed Wolverton is pleased that the service is helping Downtown’s workers, customers, clients and tourists.

"We are pleased this partnership will continue to better serve our downtown businesses, citizens and visitors," said Jay Banasiak, General Manager for the City of Wichita’s Transit Services Department. "We would like to encourage people to continue to use this service to ensure that it stays downtown," he said.

Wichita Transit Service is aggressively surveying riders to obtain feedback about the Q-Line. People can also provide feedback on-line. Highlights of the 4-week report included:

• The first week of the Q saw the highest numbers with 125 people riding July 8, 117 people riding July 9 and 133 people riding July 10.

• 1,352 people have ridden the Q since its inception. An average of 61.5 people rode the service in the 22 days it has been operating.

• Riders are apparently sensitive to using the service during bad weather. Saturday ridership dropped from 80 people on July 17 (good weather) to only 54 riders on July 24 when morning storms hit.

• In surveys on the service, 42% were taking the trolley for lunch; 42% were doing something else ("other"), 13% were shopping and 3% were attending meetings.

• The survey showed that the 37% of those taking the service worked downtown, tourists were 27% riders, 13% of the riders were doing business downtown and 27% reported doing "other" activities Downtown.

• 29% of the riders liked the service hours as they were offered (10 AM - 2 PM); while 26% wanted later hours (until 9 PM) and 21% wanted later hours (until 5 PM). All day service was requested by 20% and only 4% thought earlier hours were necessary.

• Currently, the frequency of the pick ups are every 15 minutes. When asked if this was adequate, 67% said they would keep the service the same it is now; 17% suggested every 10 minutes and 11% said every 20 minutes. Only 5% wanted every half hour.

• General comments on the survey include the following:

• Great service! (43 responses)

• Add Cowtown/Museums on the River to the Monday - Friday route (18 responses)

• Add Delano to the Monday - Friday route (9 responses)

• Advertise more (8 responses)

• Add a historical guide for comments (7 responses)… For this, we would suggest the riders take the Historic Wichita Trolley Tour on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays!

• Too long of a route for short lunch time (6 responses)

• This is great for tourists! (6 responses)

The City of Wichita’s Transit Services department has developed the program and the route to utilize the trolley more and assist downtown businesses and their employees. The Trolley Division is self-sustaining, gaining its revenue from charter fees and advertising. Presently, trolley services include: charters, holiday light tours, event shuttles and the Discover Historic Wichita tours. On Saturdays, a special shuttle runs from 10 AM to 4 PM to connect the downtown hotels, museums and attractions for citizens and visitors. For more information visit www.wichita.gov or www.downtownwichita.org/theq.

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