No. Freedom On-Demand allows eligible riders to request same-day transportation.
Eligibility & Applications
Accessibility Starts With the Right Support
RideKC Mobility Services offers transportation options for riders with disabilities, older adults, and individuals who may need additional support accessing transit services.
Some mobility services require riders to complete an application and eligibility review before scheduling trips. This page will help you understand available eligibility types, application requirements, and how to get started.
Understanding Eligibility
Find Out Which Mobility Services Are Right for You
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the mobility service and rider needs.
RideKC evaluates eligibility based on a rider’s ability to independently use fixed-route transit service, as well as regional program requirements.
ADA Paratransit Eligibility
ADA paratransit service is available to riders whose disability prevents them from independently using fixed-route bus service some or all of the time.
Eligibility is based on functional ability, not simply the presence of a disability or medical condition.
A rider may qualify if they:
- Cannot independently board, ride, or exit a fixed-route bus
- Cannot safely travel to or from a bus stop
- Have a temporary or permanent disability that impacts transit use
- Experience conditions that limit access to fixed-route transportation
Senior Transportation Eligibility
Some RideKC mobility services are available to qualifying older adults based on age and regional program guidelines.
Availability and qualifications may vary by service area.
Types of ADA Eligibility
Helping Riders Access Mobility Services Across the Region
Conditional Eligibility
The rider can use fixed-route transit in some situations, but may require paratransit service under certain conditions.
Examples may include:
- Extreme weather
- Inaccessible bus stops
- Complex travel paths
- Specific mobility limitations
Unconditional Eligibility
The rider cannot independently use fixed-route transit under any conditions.
Temporary Eligibility
Short-term eligibility may be available for riders recovering from surgery, illness, injury, or temporary medical conditions.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step
Submit Supporting Information
Additional documentation may be required to complete the eligibility review process.
This may include:
- Healthcare provider verification
- Functional assessment information
- Mobility device information
- Temporary disability documentation
Eligibility Review
RideKC Mobility Services will review the submitted application and may contact riders for additional information or assessment scheduling.
After review, riders will receive:
- Eligibility determination
- Certification details
- Service instructions
- Appeal information if applicable
Visitor Eligibility
Visiting the Kansas City Region?
Visitors with ADA paratransit eligibility from another transit provider may qualify for temporary visitor service while traveling within participating RideKC service areas.
Visitors may be asked to provide:
- Proof of ADA eligibility
- Travel dates
- Contact information
- Requested service location
Appeals Process
If Your Application Is Denied
Applicants have the right to appeal eligibility decisions.
The appeals process may include:
- Additional supporting documentation
- Independent review
- In-person or virtual appeal meetings
Appeal instructions and deadlines will be included with eligibility determination notices.
Accessibility & Language Support
Additional Tools Are Available
RideKC is committed to accessible communication and equitable access to mobility services.
Materials and assistance may be available in:
- Large print
- Accessible digital formats
- Alternative languages
- TTY and relay services
Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
RideKC Freedom On-Demand FAQs
Find answers to common questions about booking rides, app usage, eligibility, trip availability, and rider support.
Do I need to schedule rides a day in advance?
Can I book rides without the app?
Yes. Riders can schedule trips by phone if they do not use the mobile app.
Is Freedom On-Demand wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Accessible vehicles are available for riders using wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Can I travel outside my home service area?
Some cross-region travel may be available depending on rider eligibility and trip availability.
Is Freedom On-Demand available in all RideKC regions?
Availability may vary depending on the participating service area and program guidelines.
After Booking FAQs
Your vehicle may arrive any time during your 30-minute pickup window. RideKC Freedom provides curb-to-curb service to the most exterior door and cannot enter residences or businesses. Please be ready and waiting near the most exterior door. If you are using a wheelchair, there must be an accessible path from your pickup point to the vehicle. Drivers are unable to transport wheelchairs up or down steps or along other non-accessible paths. If you need extra assistance, please request it when scheduling your trip.
For your convenience, our customer comment line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are experiencing problems with our service, please call (816) 842-9070, and leave your name, phone number, and a detailed message. Messages are retrieved daily and recorded in our comment tracking system. Our Customer Service Representative will notify you that we received your comment, research the problem and work with you, RideKC Freedom Staff, and our service provider to resolve the issue.
For incidents that need immediate attention please call (816) 842-9070 and select option 1 to speak with a Customer Service Agent.
What if I change my mind and cannot travel?
Call our Reservations Number (816) 842-9070 to cancel your trip at least two hours before the scheduled pick-up time. After hours, just remain on the line and your call will be transferred to Dispatch. Customers who demonstrate a pattern or practice of No Show’s and/or Late Cancellations may incur penalties, which could lead to a suspension of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a quick answer? Browse common questions about RideKC Mobility Services and rider support.
What mobility services does RideKC offer?
RideKC provides ADA paratransit, senior transportation, and Freedom On-Demand services throughout participating regions.
Do I need to apply before using mobility services?
Some services require eligibility certification or an approved application before rides can be scheduled.
Can I travel outside my county?
Some services, including Freedom On-Demand, may allow cross-service-area travel depending on eligibility and trip availability.
Trips may be scheduled by phone or through the RideKC Freedom app, depending on the service type.
Are mobility services wheelchair accessible?
Yes. RideKC mobility vehicles are designed to accommodate riders using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Have ADA eligible in your home city?
Out-of-town visitors, who are ADA eligible in their home city or have an apparent disability, can use RideKC Freedom Paratransit Services for up to 21 days in a 365 day period. Visitors must call RideKC Freedom Regional Eligibility Office, during office hours, select option 5. Once this is completed, advance reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance. However, reservations must be made at least the day before a scheduled trip by 4:45 p.m.
Does having a disability automatically qualify me for ADA paratransit?
No. Eligibility is based on a rider’s functional ability to independently use fixed-route transit service.
Not always. Some riders may receive temporary or conditional eligibility depending on their mobility needs.
How long does the application process take?
Processing times may vary depending on application completeness and any additional assessments required.
Can someone help me complete my application?
Yes. Mobility Services staff can assist riders with completing applications and accessing accessible formats.
Can I use mobility services outside my home area?
Some services may allow regional or cross-service-area travel depending on rider eligibility and service availability.
Is subscription service available?
Subscription service may be available for riders whose work or travel schedule remains consistent at least three times per week.
Approved riders can schedule recurring trips in advance instead of booking each trip individually. Subscription service is available for up to 90 days or until the next quarterly fixed-route service change.
Effective Thursday, May 28, 2015, RideKC Freedom Trip Coordinators may offer pick-up times to customers that are different from those requested. This procedure is called trip negotiation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) permits trip negotiation as long as the offered alternate pick-up time is within 60 minutes of the requested pick-up time. The ability to manage trips in this manner assists us to provide better service to our customers.
You may contact your RideKC Freedom Coordinator at 816-842-9070 and select option 1 for more information.
The RideKC Freedom office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on the following holidays:
- New Year’s Day in January
- Memorial Day in May
- Independence Day in July
- Labor Day in September
- Thanksgiving Day in November
- Christmas Day in December
