Nov. 23: RideKC Reduces Bus Routes Due to COVID-19 Impact

RideKC will temporarily roll back some RideKC transit service starting Monday, Nov. 23, due to the increasing community spread of COVID-19. KCATA is experiencing higher than normal staffing shortages among our operator workforce.  RideKC transit should be used for essential trips only, effective immediately.

The following routes will be temporarily discontinued effective Nov. 23:

• 23 23rd Street
• 29 Blue Ridge Limited
• 51 Ward Parkway
• 234 Boardwalk-Antioch
• 297 Tiffany Springs Flex
• 340 TMC-Lakewood
• 535 Liberty-Shoal Creek Express
• 570 Blue Springs Express
• 571 71 Highway Express

529 KCI Express Limited (New Schedule) will operate on a reduced schedule, effective Monday, Nov. 23. Northbound trips that will still operate are those trips starting at 5:07 a.m., 6:07 a.m., 11:37 a.m., 3:54 p.m., and 4:24 p.m. Southbound trips that will still operate are those trips starting at 5:56 a.m., 6:56 a.m., 12:26 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. 

These changes are designed to retain access to jobs, access to education, access to healthcare and equitable access for low-income residents who need it most.

Other routes will maintain their current schedule at this time.

Sign up for RideKC Notify to receive a text, email or voice message about changes affecting your route. Click to learn more. 

Text "ridekc" to 816.685.8541 or visit ridekc.alertmedia.com/public and fill out the form to select your notification preferences.

Text your route codes to 816.685.8541 to subscribe to a specific route. Route codes are available at the link above.  Most route codes are "ridekc" plus the route number, for example "ridekc24" or "ridekc401". For services without a route number, use mmax, tmax, pmax, freedom, streetcar, bike.

Essential Trips Only 

Consistent with the Safer At Home orders and recommendations issued by area counties and municipalities, KCATA, in partnership with the city of Kansas City, Mo., recommends transit riders only make essential trips, such as:

• rides for groceries
• trips for physical and mental health needs such as appointments and to pick up prescriptions
• and trips for essential jobs including hospital/medical, grocery/food service, and essential production.

RideKC COVID guidelines 

See more about the current status of transit at RideKC.org/bulletins/covid

• Face coverings are required for riders and bus operators.
• Fares are suspended on all bus and paratransit services other than 199 Micro Transit and 499 Micro Transit.
• Social distancing is required on buses.
• Riders should board and exit buses at the back door unless they have a disability that requires the ramp or kneeling feature, available at the front of the bus.

For further information, contact the Regional Call Center at 816-221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To apply for temporary alternate transportation fill out the form here: SurveyMonkey.com/r/RideKCcovid.