New and Expanded Bus Service Across the Kansas City Region

Kansas City, Mo. | July 2, 2018 – Today marks a significant improvement in access to jobs in southern Johnson County and in Kansas City’s Northland. RideKC introduces a new express route to Gardner and Edgerton businesses; adds night service on two popular routes between Johnson County and Kansas City, Mo.; adds service to the Tiffany Springs area; and adds later trips in Independence, Mo.

“These major additions to transit service will benefit the businesses, along with current and potential employees,” said Vice President Regional Planning Chuck Ferguson. “Communities are reaching out to us, telling us that candidates can’t get to the jobs they have available. These new services are a win-win for workers and businesses.”

New Route between south Kansas City and Edgerton

RideKC is adding a new route serving the 3-Trails Transit Center in south Kansas City, New Century Parkway and Logistics Park KC in Johnson County. The 596 3-Trails-Edgerton Express begins July 2.

Monday through Saturday, 596 will provide three morning trips from 3-Trails to Logistics Park and three afternoon trips from Logistics Park to 3-Trails. Buses will run every 60 minutes. There will be one morning trip from Logistics Park to 3-Trails, and one afternoon trip from 3-Trails to Logistics Park. At 3-Trails Transit Center, riders can connect to several routes, including Troost MAX. 

In April 2018, RideKC expanded service on the 595 Gardner-OP Express to provide service from downtown KCK and downtown KCMO to the Logistics Park area.

Night Service added to Johnson County routes

Two routes that connect Johnson County and Kansas City, Mo., add evening service. 401 Metcalf-Plaza and 475 Quivira-75th Street will both add two northbound and two southbound trips, improving access to jobs, education and shopping. Both routes connect to other RideKC routes, including Main MAX and Troost MAX.

401 Metcalf-Plaza destinations include UMKC, Rockhurst University, Country Club Plaza, KU Westwood Cancer Center, Mission Transit Center, Downtown Overland Park, Downtown Mission and Rosana Square.

475 Quivira-75th Street destinations include KU Edwards Campus, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Oak Park Mall, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and Waldo.

“Collaboration between Johnson County, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Mid-America Regional Council, local governments, the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and businesses resulted in innovative solutions for a growing need in our community,” said Interim County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. “We want to meet the needs of daily commuters, providing access to job hubs and service lines to better accommodate workers.”

Access to Jobs in the Northland

234 Boardwalk-Antioch is expanding to serve jobs in Tiffany Springs in Platte County. KCATA worked in conjunction with Platte County Economic Development Council to develop the new transit service. 

New service is being added north of Boardwalk Square Park & Ride, near Barry Road and I-29. 234 adds hourly service throughout the middle of the day on weekdays. New service includes Ambassador Drive, Prairie View, Congress and 112th Street.

Later Independence Bus Service

RideKC in Independence extends bus service hours until 7 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays to increase access to jobs on five routes. 301 Green, 302 Blue, 303 Purple, 305 Orange, and 306 Red will each add an extra trip.

More info for riders

New schedules and more details are available at RideKC.org and on board buses. For help planning a trip, call the Regional Call Center weekdays between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 816.221.0660.

The fare for these routes is just $1.50, or 75¢ for those with a Reduced Farecard. A Day Pass is available for $3, and a 31-Day Pass is $50. Customers can pay with cash or use the free RideKC app to purchase their fares.