KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne covers issues in Overland Park and Johnson County and around government accountability. Share your story with Isabella.
—
After years of zero-fare service, fares will resume June 1 for regional bus service provided by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) and RideKC.
The new fare system will utilize fare capping, meaning riders pay as they ride.
“Fare capping automatically limits how much you pay in a day," the RideKC website explained. "Once you reach the cost of a day pass, additional rides that day will not increase your total."
The system tracks rides automatically when riders use the same form of payment. Additional charges will be incurred by those who use different payment options.
Thousands of Kansas Citians take the bus everyday, whether it is to go to work, go home or go just about everywhere else.
"I don't have a vehicle, so the public transportation is what I have," rider Kim Reed said.
It will soon cost $2 per ride, with no free transfers.
Ride prices are as follows:
- Single ride: $2
- Day pass: $4
- Weekly pass: $20
- Monthly pass: $62.50
“Change is never easy; however, this return to fare collection is essential to long-term transit sustainability,” Chuck Ferguson, interim CEO of KCATA, said in a news release. “And when it comes down to it, it’s truly about helping people get where they need to go safely — whether that’s work, school, healthcare or essential services — and building a stronger, more connected community in the process.”
Reed and her daughter are already budgeting for fares.
"You got to do what you got to do," Reed said. "That probably just means maybe a little bit more overtime at work to be able to afford it until our family can have a vehicle."
There are several options for riders to pay:
- Credit/debit/prepaid cards: The tap-to-pay system accepts Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards.
- RideKCGO app: Riders can create an account and add funds to tap to board. Starting May 26, the app will be available to Apple and Android users.
- Pass cards: Daily, weekly and monthly pass cards will be available for purchase starting May 26 at the following locations:
- East Village Transit Center | 13th Street and Charlotte, KCMO | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- KCATA Headquarters | 1200 E. 18th St., KCMO | 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wyandotte County Parks and Rec | 5033 State Ave., KCK
According to research with United Way of Greater Kansas City, thousands of riders won't have the means to get around.
"We know it's going to be a significant burden for a number of households in our community," Kera Mashek, senior director of communications, said.
KCATA is partnering with the United Way of Greater Kansas City to provide those eligible a 50% discounted pass. Applications go live June 1.
United Way also shared that nonprofits can apply for free single-day passes to help connect clients to services, and 50% discounted passes will be available for purchase by nonprofit and civic partners.
"We anticipate that the number of free passes and discount rates will not completely cover every single person who will have a need in this way, but it's a starting point," Mashek said.
To help support other low-income individuals, older adults, those with disabilities, youth and others who require transportation assistance, KCATA and RideKC are rolling out the RideKC Free & Reduced Fare Program.
More information on eligibility and enrollment will be made available soon.
Out at the bus stop in downtown Kansas City, most riders told KSHB 41 News reporter Isabella Ledonne they wouldn't mind paying the fares.
"I think if you're going to charge people fares you have to make the bus system better because right now it's not good enough," Ashkaun Adib said.
Some feel the fares will improve safety on the bus.
"Everyday you have to look to see who's coming in, who's coming out and make sure there are no weapons on the bus," Madina Mohamed said.
The KCATA is planning to cut nine routes following the World Cup, according to the May 2026 contract with KCMO.
Riders hope their money improves the routes that do stay.
"More clean, more demure, and more quiet and respectful for other people" Kim Adams said.
For more information about the fare changes, you can visit RideKC.org or attend a public meeting.
Three have been scheduled at the East Village Transit Center to educate the public on the new fare system.
- Tuesday, May 26 | 8 a.m. to noon
- Thursday, May 28 | 4 to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, May 30 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—
