Service providers say they haven’t been told how their clients can access free or reduced fares after the agency starts charging again this summer.
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority will start charging fares for bus rides in June, but riders who should qualify for continued free fares say they haven’t heard anything about how to get free rides, reports Savannah Hawley-Bates for KCUR.
According to Hawley-Bates, “KCUR spoke to multiple social service agencies whose clients rely on buses, and they say they haven’t heard anything from officials about what functionally free fare will look like.”
Kansas City eliminated bus fares in 2020, but the funds that helped support the program have run out. “In its 2026-27 budget, Kansas City has earmarked $165,000 for bus fare for its employees, but nothing for citywide fare subsidies.” Service agencies who work with low-income residents warn that people who rely on transit could suffer under the new fare system.
According to KCATA, the agency is working on a plan, but “couldn’t begin working on the functionally free system until it had its fare policy and related technology in place.” The city’s streetcar, which is not operated by KCATA, will remain free.
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