Kansas City’s rideshare program, IRIS, will be ceased on May 1, 2025. The program was originally launched in 2023 as an on-demand option with the purpose of filling in the gaps in an area where a bus stop or other transportation service may not be available. Users were able to use the IRIS app to schedule a ride for a small fee.
Earlier this month, the Kansas City Council passed an ordinance to 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. Those changes were not enough to support all the agency services. City staff eventually recommended the cutting of IRIS so those funds could be put towards bus service, preventing further bus service cuts.
The City’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee members voted down an ordinance requiring the city manager to produce funding to support IRIS. The ordinance also would have required the city to negotiate a 60-day program extension while developing a plan for a long-term solution. The city will host a job fair on May 8 to assist IRIS drivers in finding new employment.
Local coverage available here: Kansas City is ending its rideshare service, leaving more gaps in public transit | KCUR – Kansas City news and NPR