The Kansas City Council passed an ordinance on April 3 which will fund Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) through October while reinstating a $2 fare and implementing service changes. The ordinance appropriates $46.7 million to the agency with the remaining of the $78 million budgeted set aside in an escrow account for the agency’s future use. The agency will look to secure additional funding sources during the next 6 months, including from regional municipalities as well as the state and federal governments, however it will move forward with a reduction of frequency on most routes and shortening of operational hours.
KCATA will reinstate $2 fares for most riders, while low-income riders, those receiving aid from social service agencies, veterans, and the unhoused will not be charged. Additionally, service will begin at 5 a.m. and end at 11 p.m. The Main Max, Troost Max, Prospect Max, and #24 will see frequency changed to every 15-20 minutes between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Outside of those hours, frequency will be reduced to every 30 minutes. All other routes will be switched to 60-minute headways. Another option to reduce costs is to eliminate IRIS, a rideshare service, but this has not been confirmed. These changes will most likely go into effect in May.
Local coverage available here: Kansas City will reinstate bus fares and reduce route frequency under new funding plan | KCUR – Kansas City news and NPR