Latest Fare & Pass Info
RideKC Fares Return June 1, 2026
Beginning June 1, 2026, RideKC buses will resume fare collection. Riders will continue to enjoy reliable service across the region with several convenient payment options. Whether tapping a bank card, using the RideKCGO mobile app, or purchasing a day pass, paying for a ride will be simple and flexible.
This page explains what's changing, how to pay, and where to get help.
What's Changing
For several years, RideKC bus service has operated fare-free. Starting June 1, 2026, fares will return to the system. The goal of the new program:
- Maintain reliable transit service
- Provide flexible ways to pay
- Make fares predictable and easy to understand
The KC Streetcar will remain fare-free.
Fare Prices
Standard fares will apply to RideKC bus routes beginning June 1.
- Single Ride: $2
- Day Pass: $4
- Weekly Pass: $20
- Monthly Pass (30 days): $62.50
See below for more on free and reduced fares.
Ways to Pay
RideKC will offer several convenient ways to pay for your ride. All buses will feature contactless tap to pay terminals (credit cards cannot be inserted or swiped and no cash will be accepted).
- Contactless Credit/Debit/Prepaid Cards : Riders can tap a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit card, debit card, or prepaid card directly on the bus reader as long as it has the "tap" function. (American Express is not accepted at this time).
- Mobile Wallets : Use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay linked to a contactless card.
- RideKCGO Mobile App : Buy and scan passes directly from your smartphone (available now on iOS and Android).
- Physical RideKC Pass Cards : For riders without smartphones or bank cards - RideKC Day Passes, Weekly Passes and Monthly Passes are available for purchase at:
- East Village Transit Center, 13th Street and Charlotte, KCMO
- Wyandotte County Fleet Campus, 5033 State Ave. KCK 913-573-8351
Weekly and Monthly (30 day) pass cards will be available at the locations listed above starting June 1. Monthly and Weekly Passes won't activate until their first use.
Additional locations will be announced in the Fall of 2026.
How Fares Will Work
Fare Capping and Transfers
If you use the same tap-to-pay method (like the same contactless bank card or mobile wallet) every time you ride, the system tracks your usage and caps your spending.
You will never pay more than $4.00 a day, $20.00 a week, or $62.50 a month. Once you hit those limits through regular $2 single rides, the rest of your rides for that day, week, or month are automatically free.
Keep in mind: you must use the same tap to pay method each time you ride for the system to properly track your rides and prevent additional charges.
Reduced Fare Programs
Reduced fares will remain available for eligible riders, including:
- A child or teen ages 6-18 (0 to 5 ride free)
- Adults 65 and over
- A Medicare card holder
- Individuals who qualify for low-income assistance
- Individuals with Disabilities
How do you Apply for Free or Reduced Fare Programs?
Complete an application and provide required documentation. Our partners at United Way will review your application and notify you of the status of your application. KCATA will issue your Reduced Fare pass.
All applicants must provide:
- A copy of valid ID (state ID, driver's license, school ID, passport, Fountain Card, etc.)
Additional Documentation by Eligibility Category:
- Age 6-18: Proof of age (if not listed on valid ID)
- Age 65 and over: Proof of age (if not listed on valid ID)
- Low-Income: Proof of participation in income-based programs (SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, Section 8, LIHEAP in Missouri, or LIEAP in Kansas)
- Medicare Card Holders: Copy of Medicare card
- Disability: SSDI/SSI eligibility letter, Medicare card, Copy of VA disability verification letter (veterans only), proof of RideKC Freedom enrollment
For more detailed information and the application link, visit:
https://unitedwaygkc.org/ridekc/
Resources to Download
Watch our Fares Education Webinar
Additional ways you can get help by:
- Visiting the RideKC website for updates
- Calling customer service
- Visiting East Transit Village Transit Center
- Attending upcoming rider information sessions
Additional outreach, videos, and webinars will be shared before fares return.
As June 1 approaches, RideKC will share updates through:
- This website
- Email alerts
- Social media
- On-bus announcements
- Rider information sessions
Commonly Asked Questions:
Why are you no longer accepting cash on the bus?
In the past, paying with cash caused significant boarding delays, fare disputes, and damaged fare boxes due to wet or crumpled bills. Transitioning to an off-board cash system keeps buses running reliably and on time.
If you prefer to pay with cash, you can visit one of our in-person centers to buy physical passes using cash.
If I buy a 30-Day Monthly Pass today, does the clock start right away?
No! Physical passes remain dormant until your very first tap on the bus validator. If you buy a monthly pass but don't ride for a week, you won't lose any time. Your 30 days will trigger on the first day you actually use it.
Can I pay for my friends or family members using my tap-to-pay card?
Yes, but you must Say Before You Pay! As you step onto the bus, tell the operator exactly how many people you are paying for before you tap. The driver will adjust the system so your card can be scanned for multiple fares.
Please note: Only the first tap of the transaction will count toward your personal fare capping total.
Will my bus ride take longer now that fares are back?
It might add a little bit of time at first as everyone gets used to the new validators. We have already built extra time into our route schedules to keep things running smoothly. You can help keep boardings fast by having your phone, mobile app barcode, or contactless card ready to go before the bus arrives.
What happens if the fare system undergoes a technical glitch?
Don't worry - - our number one job is getting you safely to your desitnation. If the network goes down or a validator stops working on a bus, you will simply get that ride for free. Just board normally.
What is changing with RideKC Freedom paratransit fares on June 1?
The standard pricing for RideKC Freedom paratransit vehicles is not changing. However, we are introducing a major benefit for standard paratransit riders: If you use RideKC Freedom to connect directly to a traditional fixed-route bus, your ride on the fixed-route bus will be 100% free.
I am enrolled in RideKC Freedom. Do I need to apply for the new Free & Reduced Fare Program?
- If you use our Mobile App: No separate application is necessary. If you create an account on the RideKCGO app, your status as a RideKC Freedom participant will automatically link to your profile, granting you free fixed-route bus access.
- If you do not use a smartphone: You will need to visit one of our in-person customer centers (such as East Village Transit Center or KCATA Headquarters) to provide proof of your RideKC Freedom enrollment. Our team will then issue you a physical pass that lets you board fixed-route buses for free.
Does Fare Capping apply to free or reduced fares?
Yes! Fare capping absolutely applies to riders who qualify for a Reduced Fare, provided you use an eligible tap to pay method.
Once you have verified your eligibility, your thresholds will cut exactly in half. Your spending will automatically be capped at the reduced rates below:
- Daily Cap: Max $2.00 per day (instead of $4.00)
- Weekly Cap: Max $10.00 per week (instead of $20.00)
- Monthly Cap: Max $31.25 per 30-day period (instead of $62.50)
Once your regular $1.00 reduced-fare rides add up to these amounts, your remaining rides for that day, week, or month are entirely free.
Important Requirement: To benefit from reduced fare capping, the system must recognize your specific payment method. You must complete your eligibility verification through the United Way or an in-person transit center so your contactless credit/debit card, mobile wallet, or RideKCGO app account is officially logged as a "Reduced Fare" profile.
Key Dates
June 1, 2026: Fares return to RideKC buses
Fall 2026: Additional payment options launch