United Way of Greater Kansas City and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) are working together to help neighbors continue to access vital bussing services, as fares are set to resume on June 1, 2026.
Populations eligible to receive a 50% discounted pass include:
- Children ages 6-18 (under age 6 ride free)
- Adults ages 65+
- Low-income people receiving assistance through SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP/LIEAP, and/or Federal housing subsidy programs
- Medicare card holders
- Individuals with disabilities enrolled in SSI, SSDI and VA disability compensation, or RideKC Freedom paratransit services
Free Pass Availability
Single-day passes are being administered through local nonprofit partners to help clients continue to access vital services like food, healthcare, education, employment and case management. Nonprofits interested in receiving single-day passes should apply here.
Later this year, three and 12-month free passes will also be available. Click here to be alerted to be notified when applications for those passes go live.
Discounted Passes for Purchase
Nonprofit and civic partners are able to purchase additional passes at a 50% discount. To purchase discounted passes see the link below.
Transportation is routinely identified within the top five needs of those reaching out to United Way 211, our region’s 24/7 resource and referral line-for support. This partnership recognizes that many in our community need access to public transit, but fares may present a barrier to accessing vital services.
FAQs
Q: What discount is offered under the Reduced Fare Program?
A: The discount is 50% of the regular fare for all fixed routes during the route’s full hours of operation. The discount is not applied to RideKC Freedom paratransit services or IRIS ride share services.
Q: Who is covering the cost of the free and reduced fare programs?
A: KCATA is contracting with United Way to cover administrative costs associated with the free and reduced cost programs and it will be paid for with funds generated by the rider fares.
Q: Who is eligible for the reduced fare program?
A: People 65 and over; children ages 6 to 18 (under 6 ride for free); low-income people receiving assistance through SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP/LIEAP, and/or Federal housing subsidy programs; people with disabilities enrolled in Social Security Disability Insurance Program, the Supplemental Security Income program, or the Veteran’s Administration disability compensation program.
Q: How do I get a free or reduced fare pass?
A: Applications for reduced fares are available at unitedwaygkc.org/RideKC. Applicants for reduced fare must download and create a RideKC Go account prior to completing the reduced fare application. A limited number of single-day free passes are available currently to existing clients of nonprofit partners. Later this year, additional longer-term free passes will be available. Sign up to be alerted about applying for those passes here.
Q: How were nonprofit partners selected to distribute free passes?
A: Prior to launching the program, we surveyed hundreds of area nonprofits and asked them to indicate their interest, willingness and capacity to be involved in distributing passes and their proximity to local bus lines. Passes are being allocated according to their indicated preferences and availability.
Q: Why is KCATA ending its zero fare policy?
A: Bus fares are returning to KCATA because the zero-fare model, initially sustained by temporary COVID-19 relief funds, became financially unsustainable. Rising operating costs and funding shortfalls forced funding partners and the transit agency to reinstate fares to prevent major route cuts. You can find the new rates here.
Q: What are we doing to educate the public about free & reduced fare options?
A: KCATA has been communicating the upcoming fare restoration since March 2026 through its website, social media channels, on buses and more. KCATA and United Way are both communicating information regularly.
Q: Can I get a discounted pass on behalf of someone else, like a family member?
A: Individuals in the same household will need to submit separate applications for reduced fares. A separate application will also be required for eligible children, with the parent’s name included on the form.
Q: Do I have to live in a certain area to qualify for free or reduced fares?
A: The entire KCATA service region is eligible, regardless of whether an individual is a resident or visitor.
Q: How will you prevent fraud?
A: Both the discounted and free passes will have value to users and could be subject to fraudulent activity, both at the time of application and after passes have been issued. United Way will take measures to minimize risk of fraudulent enrollment through the screening and approval process. Discounted passes will be issued to unique user accounts on the RideKC Go app. It’s not possible for a user to be logged in to multiple accounts at one time.
Q: If you run out of free passes, will more be available? How many will be available in total?
A: In the initial launch, a total of 20,000 single day passes will be made available over the course of the year. They will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. Nonprofit partners participating in distribution may use their discretion as to whether one individual receives one or multiple single use passes. Later this year, 3-month and 12-month passes will be issued. We anticipate need will exceed the number of available passes. KCATA leadership will utilize the program’s fiscal impact and gather data to inform the future of the program.
Q: Why is KCATA offering discounted passes?
A: Transit authorities are federally required to offer half-fare (50% ore more) discounts to seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare cardholders as a strict condition to receive federal funding under section 5307 of the Federal Transit Act. It’s designed to ensure equitable access to transportation services for vulnerable populations. KCATA offers a discount beyond the federal requirement, including all route hours (not just off-peak) and extends eligibility to youth and participants in certain government programs for low-income households.
Q: Is there a grace period?
A: Riders who board the bus unaware that fares have resumed and are unable to provide payment with an accepted payment method will be permitted to continue riding for a grace period of three weeks.
Q: How can community and business partners purchase discounted passes from KCATA?
A: An application will be available for organizations wishing to purchase additional passes for their clients at a 50% discount through the KCATA website at ridekc.org.
Q: Can I apply in person?
A: Individuals unable to apply online can complete an application for discounted fares at KCATA’s East Village Transit Center (700 E 12th Street, Kansas City, MO) or KCATA headquarters (1200 E 18th St., Kansas City, MO). Passes can also be purchased at these two sites, as well as the Wyandotte County Parks & Rec Office. (5033 State Ave., Kansas City, KS).
Q: What if I still have questions?
A: Riders with questions and concerns are encouraged to call the KCATA Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.