Bus riders urge Kansas City, KCATA to find solution ahead of funding deadline

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - This Friday, KCATA states routes will be cut if it doesn’t agree on a contract with Kansas City. Bus riders and organizations are calling on the city and transportation agency to figure something out before that deadline.

“It seems like they don’t seem to care about the bus riders,” said Jeanne Knapp, who has relied on the bus system for years. “There are still people out here who need this transportation. People who have disabilities. People who are having issues paying their bills so they want to ride the buses to save money. If you take this away from them what are they going to do?”

Knapp has spina bifida, which affects her spine and ability to walk, so she usually uses a power chair. Using RideKC allows her primary transportation a break and saves gas, time, and wear and tear on her family’s vehicles.

Knapp used to take the 570 Blue Springs Express multiple times a week until Blue Springs made the decision to not renew its contract with RideKC due to low ridership and increased costs for service by KCATA. Knapp now uses the 550 route.

With what appears to be stalled contract negotiations between Kansas City and the KCATA, it’s a case of déjà vu Knapp hopes has a better ending.

“I think both sides need to come together and come up with a contract so that we do not lose our services,” said Knapp. “I’m really concerned about everybody and how we’re going to get around. This could really be a hardship on a lot of people.”

On Monday, Alphapointe, a nonprofit that helps those with vision loss, sent a letter to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, the city council, and KCATA board urging them to come to an agreement.

“This will have a devastating effect on hundreds of blind and visually impaired people that work and receive services and Alphapointe,” the letter read. “We urge you to consider the importance of maintaining and expanding KCATA to support the blind and disabled community in Kansas City.”

The Kansas City council is meeting this Thursday, where an ordinance containing the city’s contract with KCATA will be discussed. The KCATA is holding a special meeting at 8 a.m. on Friday, where it hopes to agree to a contract if one is passed on Thursday.