Bus riders on most Johnson County routes will pay lower fares beginning Monday

Bus fares on 10 Johnson County routes will be cut by a third as of Monday when a new regional fare system goes into effect.

Fares are being reduced from the current $2.25 for a one-way trip with transfers down to $1.50, which is the fare now charged on most other bus routes operated by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.

The fare overhaul also expands the use of $3 all-day passes, which are good on all other metro area systems but were accepted on only half of the 10 local routes in Johnson County previously.

Likewise, a $50 pass good for unlimited rides for any 31-day period will also be valid on Johnson County routes.

The more unified fare system is designed to reduce confusion for riders.

Not all Johnson County bus riders will see a reduction, however.

Fares for four of the five Johnson County express routes — the 661, 670, 673 and 678 — will remain unchanged at $2.25. And the 710-K-10 Connector will continue to cost $3.50.

Three Kansas City express routes operating north and south of the river will stay at $3 as well.

The first of the year will also mean fewer bus stops in Kansas City. About 200 little-used stops, more than 60 downtown, are being eliminated to increase efficiency. But it will mean longer walks for some riders, now accustomed to having a stop on nearly every block in some areas.

Notices were posted on those stops in the fall.

For more information, go to www.ridekc.org.

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Bus riders on most Johnson County routes will pay lower fares beginning Monday."