Kansas City, Mo. (June 18, 2025) - This weekend, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) will join the Juneteenth celebration in the historic 18th & Vine Cultural District to honor freedom, resilience and community. Attendees can stop by the KCATA bus at the corner of 18th and Paseo to learn about current transit services, upcoming improvements, and the agency’s ongoing commitment to equity in mobility.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved people in the United States and the promise of freedom fulfilled. Public transportation has long played a vital role in advancing civil rights and ensuring equal access to opportunity. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 when Rosa Parks courageously refused to give up her seat, sparking a nationwide movement, to the Freedom Riders who challenged segregation on interstate buses, transit systems became both the battleground and the vessel for change. Today, KCATA continues that legacy by striving to deliver safe, reliable service that connects all Kansas Citians to education, jobs, housing, healthcare and cultural events like the Juneteenth celebration.
“Juneteenth reminds us that liberty isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s the right to move freely, connect with our communities, and pursue our dreams,” said Frank White III, CEO of KCATA. “We’re proud to be here in the birthplace of Kansas City jazz, celebrating freedom’s past and powering our city’s future through transit that’s accessible to everyone.”
KCATA staff will be on hand to answer questions about bus and MAX routes. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the bus and share their own stories of how public transportation has shaped their lives.
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About KCATA: Congress established the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) in 1966, granting jurisdiction over a region spanning two states, seven counties and over 100 cities. KCATA utilizes its authority to enhance public transportation accessibility and broaden service options. This is achieved through a range of transportation services and the development of transit-oriented community development facility 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 its innovative leadership. For more information, visit the KCATA website at kcata.org. To find the nearest stop and join the journey, visit ridekc.org.
Contact:
Cindy Baker, Senior Director Marketing & Communications
816.510.2874 | cbaker@kcata.org