KCATA Partners with KCMO To Qualify Bus Riders for Reduced Fare

Kansas City, Mo. (June 23, 2026) — The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) and the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department are joining forces to help educate the community on bus fares in Kansas City and to qualify eligible people for reduced fare.

The public outreach event is Thursday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community members will have the opportunity to:

• Qualify for Reduced Fare (with proper identification)
• Renew their eligibility
• Learn how to set up a mobile account
• Meet with KCATA staff
• Get answers to questions about available transit services and benefits
• Apply for their Fountain Card, which is free for KCMO residents at the Health Department

Who Qualifies for Reduced Bus Fare?

People who qualify for a reduced bus fare include:

• Children and teens ages 6–18 (ages 0–5 ride free)
• Adults age 65 and older
• Medicare card holders
• Individuals who qualify for low-income assistance
• Individuals with disabilities

People can qualify at the event as long as they bring proper documentation, including a valid form of identification such as a state ID, driver's license, school ID, passport, Fountain Card, or similar identification.

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 such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, Section 8, LIHEAP (Missouri), or LIEAP (Kansas)
• Medicare Card Holders: Copy of Medicare card
• Disability: SSDI/SSI eligibility letter, Medicare card, VA disability verification letter (veterans only), or proof of RideKC Freedom enrollment

KCATA accepts the Fountain Card as a valid form of identification for people who are trying to qualify for reduced fare. The Fountain Card is available free of charge to KCMO residents through the Health Department.

The event is designed to help eligible riders access reduced-fare transit options and learn more about the services available through KCATA.

About KCATA

Congress established the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) in 1966, granting jurisdiction over a region spanning two states, seven counties, and more than 100 cities. KCATA utilizes its authority to enhance public transportation accessibility and broaden service options through a range of transportation services and transit-oriented community development projects.

The authority operates under the public-facing brand RideKC. In 2022, KCATA earned recognition as North America's top mid-sized transit agency. For more information, visit ridekc.org.