RideKC’s Micro Transit 6-month pilot program is making a big splash and has been well received by the community and recently undergone an expansion. The coverage area includes JCCC (Johnson County Community College), Oak Park Mall and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.
Passengers can book a trip using the app TransLoc on their smartphone. Like traditional public transit, each ride only costs a flat rate of $1.50.
“It is a hybrid so we’re looking at how people use transportation and really starting to be customer focused,” said Jameson Auten with KCATA. “People like to be picked up on their time and dropped off where at their final destination.”
KCATA released early findings on the micro-transit service:
“Twenty-four percent of respondents use RideKC Micro Transit daily (5-7 days a week), and 20 percent use the service frequently (3-4 days a week). RideKC microtransit (need to be consisten, which his right way?) is used primarily for commuting to/from work, with 40 percent of respondents indicating this as their general purpose for using the service The service is also used to commute to/from school (24 percent) and to get to the doctor (12 percent). Micro Transit is also used for leisure purposes – e.g. to get to/from shopping trips and restaurants (15 percent). If the microtransit service wasn’t available, 31 percent of respondents said they would have taken an Uber/Lyft, while 12 percent wouldn’t have made the trip at all.”
With the programs early success, residents relying on RideKC’s Micro Transit during the week have even more commuting options since July 6. The service expanded to include Saturdays with the hours remaining the same, running from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Saturday service will also include a greater coverage area. During this day, the eastern border extends to State Line Road.
For more information visit RideKC’s website.