RideKC Transit To Pilot Free Bus Ride Program For Paratransit Users

(Kansas City, Mo. – August 1, 2016) The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) will offer free bus rides for qualified paratransit users in a new pilot program.     People with disabilities and seniors will have the flexibility to use local bus service for free.

“This pilot program is about giving people choices in the way they travel,” KCATA President and CEO Robbie Makinen said. “We are giving riders the option to use the service that best fits their needs, and if they qualify, they can do it for free.”

Individuals who are already riders of RideKC Access will be able to ride all local bus service in the region for free, including services operated in Wyandotte County, Johnson County, Independence, Kansas City, Mo., and the surrounding areas. RideKC Access customers must apply for a RideKC Access Photo Identification card. Customers must be qualified to ride IndeAccess, Dial-A-Ride or Share-A-Fare.

By offering free rides for qualified paratransit users, riders will have the flexibility to travel on RideKC Bus whenever service is available. Often customers who use Access services are on a fixed income, and there will be significant savings.

For paratransit customers who are not familiar with riding the bus and would like assistance learning how, training is provided free of charge by calling 816.346.0809.

How To Apply

Applications for RideKC Access are available in Mobility Services or by calling 816.842.9070 and selecting the eligibility option. Riders will need to either submit a photograph or schedule a time to have a photo taken.  Once customers receive, a card they can begin riding the local bus routes for free.

For trip planning and general information about riding the bus, customers should call the Regional Call Center at 816.221.0660, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.