Fares & Passes

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.

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.

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.

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.

Don't worry - - our number one job is getting you safely to your destination. If the network goes down or a validator stops working on a bus, you will simply get that ride for free. Just board normally.

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.

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.

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.