Gladstone to stop Kansas City bus services in September, pilots on-demand service
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority will cease bus services to and from Gladstone beginning in September, according to a news release.
The city announced on Twitter that pick up and drop off services would cease in the city around Sept. 1 because renewing its contract with KCATA would’ve come with a significant price increase.
Gladstone officials said the city’s current contract cost $87,000 for bus, flex and paratransit services, while a new contract beginning in July would’ve cost around $340,000 for the same services. To pay for the contract, the city would’ve had to cut funding for its 2024 street maintenance program by 50%, according to city officials.
All cities that use KCATA services will be impacted by the price increases, Gladstone officials said.
Gladstone began a three-month pilot program July 1 of IRIS, an on-demand transit service. Riders can get door-to-door service or walk a short distance to a pick-up spot to get a ride in 15 minutes or less.
Transportation within Gladstone or to the nearest bus stop is free, while rides to other areas will vary from a few dollars to $10 for a trip to the airport. IRIS can also provide paratransit services.
Users can request a ride through IRIS on its app or by calling 816-205-8221. The service operates every day from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
