Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

Following more than six years of free bus service for RideKC passengers, fare collection will resume on Sunday, June 1.

Kansas City’s City Council voted to eliminate bus fares in December 2019 and free service for all riders began in March 2020. Before fares were eliminated, riders paid $1.50 for a single ride— including transfers— or could purchase a monthly pass for $50. Upgrades to a new payment system will allow riders to pay by tapping a credit or debit card, using the RideKC mobile app, or purchasing a day pass in person at authorized locations.

New options are more flexible as riders can purchase a single ride for $2, day pass for $4, a weekly pass for $20 or a monthly pass for $62.50. Reduced fares will be available for eligible riders. Bus operators will not be able to accept cash or sell passes, so riders will need to be prepared prior to the June 1 fare activation date.

In August, KCATA (Kansas City Area Transit Authority) entered into an agreement to provide free service through April 2026, with a clause stating that fares would be re-implemented following that date. Earlier that year, the transit authority  suggested the elimination of Routes 11, 9, and 21— serving Northeast— and reduced service on Route 24, due to budgeting issues through the free-fare system.

The goal of this new program is to maintain reliable transit service, provide flexible ways to pay and make fares predictable and easy to understand. KC Streetcar— providing service from 52nd St. and Troost Ave. to Berkley Riverfront Park— will remain  fare-free.

Riders are encouraged to use the Tap to Pay option by tapping a Visa, Mastercard or Discover card— credit, debit or prepaid— directly on the bus reader. These readers are not able to accept payment through American Express cards. Other options are downloading the RideKCGO mobile app, available for Apple and Android smart phones, to upload funds and tap their phone when boarding. Visit https://ridekc.org/fares/transit-app to download to get more information.

Riders who don’t have bank cards or a smart phone may purchase any of the pass options with cash at two locations: East Village Transit Center at 700 E. 12th St and KCATA Headquarters, 1200 E. 18th St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Tuesday, May 26. Only single day passes ($4) will be available prior to June 1, but up to seven may be purchased at one time for those who may need passes for additional riders.

Children 0 to 5 may ride free with a parent or guardian but children over 6 will need their own pass. Bus operators are trained to assist those paying for more than one rider or paying a reduced fare. Reduced fares are half price for any of the pass options and qualifying riders may fill out an application in person at East Village or KCATA Headquarters, or online through the United Way (www.unitedwaykc.org/ridekc) website.

While transfers are no longer available, fare capping is tracked through all payment options. Fare capping ensures no rider pays more than $4 per day, $20 per week or $62.50 per month and may provide free rides based on each rider’s usage.

Additional payment options will be announced this fall, according to a KCATA press release. Additional questions about payment options can be addressed by call 816- 221-0660.