The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is reminding voters that on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023, the 3/8-cent Sales Tax Renewal for Buses will be on the ballot. The 3/8-cent sales tax supports approximately 30% of the RideKC bus system in Kansas City, Mo. The tax would sunset in 10 years. The sales tax was originally passed by KCMO voters in 2004. It was renewed in 2008 for 15 years and is set to expire in April 2024.
“If the tax does not renew in November 2023, it will result in a significant reduction in service,” said Frank White, III, president & CEO of KCATA. “This reduction could include the elimination of routes and buses coming less frequently. Even if you do not ride the bus, you know someone who does.”
Additional Information Related to the Sales Tax Renewal
- The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s mission is to connect people to opportunities.
- KCATA is focused on providing equitable access to Jobs, Education, Medical Care and Housing.
- Sales tax renewal will
- Support existing bus service
- Support hundreds of Union Jobs and Security Personnel
- Not a new tax
Specific ballot language adopted by KCMO City Council:
Enacting a new Section 68-476, Code of Ordinances; providing for submission to the qualified voters
of the City for their approval at an election called for Tuesday, November 7, 2023 the question of
renewing for 10 years a 3/8 cent sales tax for the purposes of developing, operating, maintaining,
equipping, and improving a public bus transit system for Kansas City, pursuant to contract with
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority; authorizing and directing the City Clerk to notify the
responsible election authorities of this election; and recognizing this ordinance as having an
accelerated effective date.