Transit riders in the Kansas City area should be aware that beginning June 1, 2026, KCATA vehicles will begin charging fares once more. Throughout this process, KCATA’s goal is to maintain a reliable transit service, provide flexible ways to pay, and make fares predictable and understandable. Riders with questions or concerns should reach out to customer service staff via email (wehearyou@kcata.org) or phone (816-221-0660).
While the KC Streetcar will remain fare-free, all KCATA vehicles will charge fare. A single ride will cost $2, a day pass will cost $4, a weekly pass will cost $20 and a monthly pass will be available for $62.50. Some eligible transit riders including seniors and those with disabilities will qualify for reduced fare- KCATA will share more information about reduced fare eligibility closer to June 1.
Multiple payment options will be put in place, including “Tap to Pay” functionality where a rider may “tap” an eligible debit, credit, or prepaid card on the bus reader. Riders may also load funds onto their RideKC Mobile App and then “tap” their phone on the bus reader when boarding. Finally, physical day passes will be available for purchase at the East Village Transit Center and KCATA Headquarters. KCATA plans on announcing additional locations where passes can be purchased in Fall 2026.
The new fare system will see the introduction of Fare Capping, which limits how much a rider will pay in fare on any given day. Once a rider has charged the cost of a day pass, additional rides that day will not be charged to your card.
As June 1 approaches, KCATA will keep riders informed on the upcoming fare change through email alerts, social media, on-bus announcements and through rider information sessions that will be scheduled and made open to the public. To learn more about the reintroduction of fare to KCATA’s system on June 1, please visit the KCATA website here.