Special to Northeast News
Feb. 17, 2010

The Kansas City Area transportation Authority will increase passenger fares for the Share-A-Fare paratransit service and discontinue the SwingShift program on Thursday, April 1.

Share-A-Fare is a transportation program serving people with disabilities that prevent them from using fixed-route bus service. The ADA-eligible trips will increase from $2.25 a trip to $2.50 a trip. Non ADA-eligible trips will cost:

• 0-3 miles — $2.75.

• 3-6 miles — $4.50.

• 6-9 miles — $6.

• 9-12 miles — $7.75.

• 12-15 miles — $11.

• More than 15 miles — $11 + $1.65.

The SwingShift program provides transportation to or from work using a combination of Metro service and cabs when bus service is unavailable. Customers using this program purchase a monthly bus pass and are allowed one cab ride a day. KCATA hasn’t taken new SwingShift customers since August 2008, and approximately 61 people currently use it.

Due to declining sales tax revenues, KCATA faces budget challenges, which resulted in these changes. To comment on the changes, call (816) 346-0300, e-mail SAFComments@kcata.org, attend a public meeting each second Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. at KCATA, 1200 E. 18th St, or mail a comment to Share-A-Fare, 1200 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Mo., 64108.