56% of voters polled would support dedicated transit funding in Johnson County.
Overview
- Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance (KCRTA) commissioned a poll related to transit funding and other issues across four counties: Clay, Jackson, Johnson, and Wyandotte Counties.
- In Johnson County, a majority of voters would support a ballot measure for transit funding, and that support grows with additional messaging.
- Voters were more likely to support a measure coupled with road repairs and improving pedestrian safety.
Read on for more information.
The Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance (KCRTA) has developed a county-based transit funding strategy and is now working to build support for this new regional funding mechanism.
Acknowledging that regional cooperation can be challenging on any issue, this strategy instead asks each county in the region to establish their own dedicated transit funding stream for operations and then, if voters approve on that county’s timeline, that county would determine the governance model and services for that transit investment.
Johnson County finds itself at a crossroads when it comes to how to operate its public transit system. Their public transportation system transports about 379,000 riders a year on fixed routes, as well as 84,000 paratransit riders and over 32,000 microtransit riders. As Johnson County Transit develops its strategic plan, it is also studying a rapid transit route on Metcalf Avenue. Increased service levels Countywide and on Metcalf would require additional funding to ensure consistent operations.
To better understand where voter sentiment is on the issue of transit funding, KCRTA worked with partners across the region to develop and commission a poll of voters in the Kansas City area. These voters were located in four counties: Clay, Jackson, Johnson, and Wyandotte Counties. The portion of the poll which covered Johnson County, conducted in late July 2025 by EMC Research, reached 400 voters in each county and has an overall margin of error of +/- 4.9 percentage points.
Regardless of whether they personally use public transit, a majority of Johnson County voters believe it is a public service worthy of additional public funding. Poll results are listed below:
Q: Next year, there may be a measure on the ballot in [COUNTY] that would increase the local sales tax by 1/2¢ for 10 years to fund public transit bus services in [COUNTY]. If the election were held today, would you vote yes to approve or no to reject this measure?
| 52%Yes, Uninformed | 56%Yes, After Messages* |
*“After Messages” means the share of voters who would vote yes for a transit measure after hearing potential reasons why the measure could be beneficial.
Q: When voters were asked whether or not they agree or disagree with each of the following statements:
- Public transit is a vital public service for the elderly, people with disabilities, and people entering the workforce.
- 74% indicated they agree (44% Strongly Agree/30% Somewhat Agree)
- It is important to have high quality transit service in our area, even if I rarely use it personally.
- 75% indicated they agree (41% Strongly Agree/33% Somewhat Agree)
- Public transit is essential for jobs and the local economy.
- 68% indicated they agree (34% Strongly Agree/34% Somewhat Agree)
- Public transit reduces traffic congestion in our growing region.
- 64% indicated they agree (26% Strongly Agree/38% Somewhat Agree)
Q: For each of the following items that could be included in a future sales tax measure to fund public transit bus services, please indicate if you support or oppose that item.
| Issue | Total Support |
| Improving and adding sidewalks to protect pedestrian safety | 71% |
| Improving the safety of public buses and bus stops | 65% |
| Improving, expanding, and maintaining bike trails and bike share | 53% |
| Increasing the number of KCATA bus routes and stops in Johnson County | 50% |
| Increasing the frequency of KCATA bus service | 47% |
With these results, KCRTA plans to take key steps in the coming months to build upon this information. That will include:
- Outreach to Johnson County transit staff and the Johnson County Commission to share this information.
- Outreach and public education to inform voters and about the importance of transit and the transit system’s needs in Johnson County.
- Coordination with planners and policymakers as the Metcalf Corridor Fast and Frequent Transit Study and Smart Moves Regional Transit Plan are completed.
- Additional polling to gauge voter support for transit and related improvements.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at chair@kcrta.org.
About the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance: The Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance is a non-profit organization that educates the public on transit accessibility, gathers public opinion, communicates, and advocates to expand, enhance, and improve today’s transit options. Our mission is to expand, enhance, and improve mass transit in the Kansas City region.