The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)’s Board of Commissioners voted last week to move forward with a plan that would reduce service frequency and lay off some employees in an attempt to bring costs down. KCATA is tentatively targeting May 4 as the start date of these changes, although it may be pushed back.In mid-March, KCATA announced they would hold public meetings to gather input on proposed service reductions. Service reductions were being looked at as the result of the increased cost of providing public transit in recent years as well as no longer have COVID funds to help cover the gap.
The plan will reduce frequency instead of eliminating routes, in addition to shortening the service day from 21.5 hours (3:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.) to 18 hours (5 a.m. to 11 p.m.). According to recent updates, some staff positions will be eliminated, although the number is not yet known.
Weekend service will operate with 30-minute frequency and be offered on the following routes: Main Max, Troost Max, Prospect Max, and 24, 31, 101, and 201. During weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., the Main Max, Troost Max, Prospect Max, and route 24 will operate with 15–20-minute frequencies. Outside of those hours, the routes would operate with 30-minute frequencies. Other routes outside of those listed would operate with 60-minute frequency, and paratransit hours and zones would be modified to match geographic and service hour changes.
The Kansas City, Mo., City Council is considering an ordinance that would award a 6-month contract for RideKC transit service to the KCATA in the amount of $46 million. According to the KCATA, the ordinance stipulates that routes would not be eliminated, and a fare payment system would be established, ensuring a mechanism in which people who financially need zero fare could still ride without paying. The City Council also included language to look at the IRIS ride share program for possible elimination or modification. KCMO City Council is expected to approve the final contract with KCATA April 3.