For Madison J., getting around Kansas City hasn’t always been easy.
After relocating from Chicago to Kansas City a year ago, Madison hoped the move would give him a fresh start. Instead, adjusting to a new community brought unexpected challenges—including figuring out how to navigate Kansas City’s public transportation system.
With limited money, Madison had been spending what little he had on rideshares. He was hesitant to use the bus because the routes and schedules were unfamiliar.
“With the scheduling of the buses and the routes, it was kind of confusing to me,” he said. “So I just stayed clear of it.”
Affordable transportation helps Kansas City residents stay connected
Madison’s circumstances changed when he found transitional housing at Shalom House, a Catholic Charities program and United Way Impact 100 partner.
“Recent events kind of threw me in the position of really needing to use the buses,” Madison said. “And it was right at the time when now I have to pay to use it.”
After six years of a zero-fare policy, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) resumed collecting fares from bus riders in June. For people already struggling to make ends meet, the cost of transportation can create another barrier to work, housing, appointments, and other essential services.
Fortunately, Madison had access to transportation support provided through United Way of Greater Kansas City.
“Thankfully Shalom House was able to give me some of the single-day passes from United Way, which has really been a big help,” Madison said.
United Way provides bus fare assistance in Kansas City
This summer, United Way of Greater Kansas City began working with KCATA to help connect qualifying individuals with discounted bus fares.
As part of the partnership, more than 15,000 single-day bus passes have been distributed to local nonprofits, including Catholic Charities, so people who need transportation assistance can continue getting where they need to go.
“I think it’s very beneficial and helpful, because coming from Chicago, the bus system there operated totally different,” Madison said. “They never really had any programs that I was aware of for free rides, so this is really refreshing to me.”
The support is especially meaningful for Kansas City-area residents experiencing financial hardship.
“And it’s definitely needed because I know there are a lot of people here in KCK who are living in poverty,” Madison said.
Discounted KCATA bus passes can help people get to work
Madison has been using his bus passes to travel between Shalom House and his part-time job at a local dollar store.
Having reliable, affordable transportation has helped him maintain stability while he looks for full-time employment.
“I’m looking for more full-time work, but this is helping keep me stable for now,” he said. “Thank you so much for the support in keeping this going.”
Madison also recently learned about KCATA’s reduced fare program and plans to apply for discounted passes.
Who qualifies for reduced KCATA fares?
United Way is providing administrative support to help qualifying individuals apply for discounted KCATA passes.
Currently, eligible populations include:
- Children ages 6–18 (children under 6 ride free)
- Adults age 65 and older
- Low-income individuals receiving assistance through SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP/LIEAP or federal housing subsidy programs
- Medicare card holders
- Individuals with disabilities enrolled in SSI, SSDI or VA disability compensation
United Way helps applicants navigate the process by supporting identity and income verification and working with applicants throughout the application process.
Once approved, qualifying individuals receive 50% discounted fares, which are applied to their KCATA digital account.
United Way and KCATA transportation assistance by the numbers
The partnership is already helping connect Kansas City-area residents with more affordable transportation:
- 1,700 applications for discounted fares have been approved
- 15,000 single-day bus passes have been provided to local nonprofits
Additional longer-term free bus passes will be distributed through the second phase of United Way’s partnership with KCATA, beginning this fall.
Get help with Kansas City bus fare assistance
Transportation can be a critical link to employment, housing, health care and other resources. United Way is working with KCATA and community partners to help make sure the cost of riding the bus doesn’t prevent people from getting where they need to go.
To learn more about eligibility, apply for discounted KCATA fares or find answers to frequently asked questions, visit unitedwaygkc.org/RideKC.
United Way will continue to update program information and FAQs as additional transportation assistance becomes available.