Who can ride the bus for free in Kansas City? Here’s what RideKC says
Nothing lasts forever, which includes the ability to ride the bus for free in Kansas City.
Starting June 1, Kansas Citians will have to pay to get on the RideKC buses, starting at $2 for single rides. It was a move to balance the agency’s budget while maintaining most bus lines.
When the decision became official, there were still some questions that needed to be answered: Who can still ride for free, how to get reduced fares and more. The Star reached out to a representative of RideKC to answer these questions.
Here’s what we’ve learned as a new era begins for RideKC.
Who qualifies for reduced fares on Kansas City buses?
The following groups will be eligible for reduced fares starting June 1:
- Children ages 6-18 (under age 6 ride free)
- Adults ages 65+
- Low-income individuals receiving assistance through SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP/LIEAP, and/or federal housing subsidy programs
- Medicare cardholders
- Individuals with disabilities enrolled in SSI, SSDI and VA disability compensation, or RideKC Freedom paratransit services
Reduced fares will be half off regardless of which pass you have. For example, a $2 single ride will be reduced to $1. A $4 daily pass will be reduced to $2, and so forth.
Who gets to ride KC buses for free?
RideKC previously said that some Kansas Citians would continue to ride the bus for free, though it wasn’t clear who that applies to until now.
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority is teaming up with United Way of Greater Kansas City for a free fare program. The first phase of the program will distribute a maximum of 20,000 single-day passes over the course of the year.
People who are already being served by a variety of local nonprofit partners, designed to help individuals access services like food pantries, healthcare, rent/utility assistance, employment and case management programming, will be eligible for the program, but will still need to apply.
Applications for reduced fare and free bus rides can be found on unitedwaygkc.org.
Where can I buy a bus pass with cash?
A bus pass is required, as you cannot use cash to get on the bus. Riders can buy limited-use day passes at the following locations:
- East Village Transit Center, 700 E. 12th St., open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
- KCATA Headquarters, 1200 E. 18th St, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. weekdays
- Wyandotte County Parks and Rec; 5033 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas; Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
Additional locations will be announced in the fall. You can also buy a bus pass using a debit/credit card, mobile wallets and the RideKCGO Mobile App.
