The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is preparing to implement transit service changes that were approved as part of the City of Kansas City, Mo.’s FY 2026–27 budget and operating agreement adopted in May 2026. The changes will take effect Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.
The service adjustments were originally scheduled to begin in May but were temporarily deferred through the availability of FIFA World Cup-related funding.
Under the adopted agreement, the City allocated $83.8 million for transit operations during the 2026–27 fiscal year. KCATA has worked with the City to align service with the approved funding level while seeking to preserve access for as many riders as possible.
As part of that effort, KCATA evaluated ridership, route performance, proximity to other routes, and service overlap to identify opportunities to reduce duplication while maintaining the strongest possible transit network within available resources.
Implementation of the approved service plan will also result in workforce reductions, including approximately 48 bus operator positions.
The following route changes are included in the approved operating agreement:
These routes will be affected beginning Sept. 6, 2026:
“While this is difficult news for our riders and our employees, we recognize the uncertainty and concern it creates for those who depend on public transit every day and for the dedicated employees who provide that service,” said Bridgette Williams, chair of the KCATA Board of Commissioners. “KCATA remains a strong and stable agency, and we will continue working closely with the City of Kansas City, Mo., and our regional partners to provide the highest level of transit service possible within available funding. Our focus remains on building a sustainable regional transit network that connects people to jobs, healthcare, education and essential services on both sides of the state line. We are committed to working collaboratively to navigate these challenges while keeping our riders and employees at the center of every decision we make.”