Two more local governments — the City of Independence and the Unified Government of KCK/Wyandotte County — are slashing bus service due to rising costs and the lack of a dedicated funding mechanism.

Both governments fund transit from general revenue.

Independence: https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/independence-to-suspend-bus-services-in-2025-citizens-concerned-with-iris-replacement

UG: https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article292982934.html

These reductions are on top of similar cuts in Gladstone, Raytown, and Grandview in the last year.

KCRTA’s strategy is to advocate for county-based dedicated sales taxes that voters could approve separately, rather than voting on the same rate or at the same time (like the bi-state election that restored Union Station).

Stay tuned for more details on this strategy in 2025!

https://www.marc.org/event/bi-state-sustainable-reinvestment-corridor-public-meeting

Learn about a comprehensive multi-jurisdictional strategy to support infrastructure, transportation, and economic development along this 24-mile corridor connecting four cities: Independence, Sugar Creek, and Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas.

A Better Connected Corridor
Thriving and Livable Communities
Tools to Build a Better Future

Visit the project website for more information.

Local officials gathered this week to kick-off a potential zero-emission bus rapid transit project connecting cities on both sides of the state line.

The Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor will connect four cities in two states and two counties with frequent transit service. The 24-mile corridor is currently served by two local bus routes (#24 and #101) operated by KCATA and funded by a mix of local funding from KCMO, Unified Government, and the City of Independence.

While the two existing routes connect at the East Village Transit Center in downtown KCMO, they have dramatically different schedules.

Route 24 is frequent within KCMO, and that service is funded by the city. An extension of that route into Independence is less frequent, provides limited night and weekend service, and is funded by Independence.

Route 101 is infrequent and offers limited night and weekend service. It is funded entirely by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

Service improvements would need a new source of funding since the existing operations are limited across the 24-mile corridor. This supports our strategy of putting countywide sales taxes dedicated to transit in front of voters in the next 3-5 years, as it would simplify funding for a bi-state route spanning four separate municipalities.

Image credit: City of Kansas City, Missouri

The second of eight shiny new streetcars arrived in Kansas City on April 30 as construction of the Main Street Extension inches closer to completion.

KCRTA sponsored the elections that created the larger Transportation Development District that is providing the local funding to match federal grants, which are covering the cost of the new vehicles. Once operational, the voter-approved TDD will support 100% of operating costs.

KCRTA is using funds reimbursed to us for the formation costs to further our regional funding strategy. This multi-county strategy could provide additional funding for more streetcar and MAX lines on both sides of the state line.

If you’re interested in sponsoring our work or joining as a member, click here.

The latest “Economic Impact of Missouri Transit” study from the Missouri Public Transit Association is out and confirms that public transit in the state generated $4 billion annually.

Highlights:

• There are 32 transit providers in Missouri that collectively promote personal mobility in every single county by providing a total of 40.1 million rides annually. For some, transit is the sole means by which they can gain access to work, school, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores and other needed goods and services. Others have personal vehicles but like to use public transit because it offers a safer, more cost-effective and convenient means for getting to places for work or play.
• Transit gets thousands of Missourians to and from their place of employment every day. It also directly employs more than 3,800 individuals, with an annual average salary of $86,400, and indirectly adds more than 22,000 jobs to the state each year.
• Transit yields an overall economic impact of $4.05 billion annually, including $481 million in spending by transit riders. Over the last five years, transit agencies spent an average of $401 million annually on capital investments. The state government collects an estimated average of $51 million in annual taxes because of the direct and multiplier effects of transit.

More: https://www.missourinet.com/2024/03/12/missouri-generates-over-4-billion-annually-in-public-transit-revenue/

Join us from 5:30 to 8pm on Thursday, Dec. 14 for drinks and light appetizers at our next Transit Oriented Drinks networking event. The location is Crane Brewing, which is located in downtown Raytown next to the Rock Island trail.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kc-regional-transit-alliance-transit-oriented-drinks-tickets-757942104237

The Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance celebrated the year in transit at its annual meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7, including the election of new board members and officers for 2024.

KCRTA also honored the local chapter of the Sunrise Movement as the ‘Jared Miller Transit Advocate of the Year’ for their Better Bus Campaign and efforts to renew the 3/8-cent sales tax that supports our bus system. This year’s award was renamed to honor Jared Miller, who passed away in 2019 and was an active member of the KCRTA board.

The evening concluded with a confirmed win at the ballot box — 73% of KCMO voters voted to renew the 3/8-cent sales tax to support existing RideKC bus service across the city for 10 years. The Alliance was involved in both the initial effort to pass the tax in 2003 and the 2008 renewal.

NOT PICTURED BELOW: Returning Members Bailey Waters and Alvaro Villagran.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, voters in Kansas City, Missouri will be asked to renew the 3/8-cent sales tax that supports approximately 30% of the current bus service in the city — including special paratransit services for those who are elderly or disabled. Currently these services are zero fare, providing a much-needed economic boost to households in need. Ballot language states:

Shall the City of Kansas City continue a city sales tax for the purpose of developing, operating, maintaining, equipping and improving a public bus transit system for Kansas City, pursuant to contract with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, as authorized by Section 94.605 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri at a rate of 3/8% for a period of 10 years?

It’s urgent that voters renew this tax well before it expires to avoid any gap in funding. KCMO funds the vast majority of bus service in the region. While more service is needed, this tax provides a baseline for future expansion as well as transportation support for the 2026 World Cup.

The editorial board of the Kansas City Star agrees.

Please vote YES for Question 1 on Tuesday, Nov. 7! If you’re unable to vote in person, early voting is available now. Check your local election board for details and sample ballots:

• Kansas City Election Board – https://www.kceb.org/elections/
• Clay County Election Board – https://www.voteclaycountymo.gov/sample-ballots
• Platte County Board of Elections – https://www.plattemovotes.org/

Our 2023 Annual Meeting will be held 7-9pm Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Casual Animal Brewing in the Crossroads. This will also serve as the unofficial watch party for the KCMO bus sales tax renewal that’s on the ballot that day.

Thanks to our sponsor WSP!

RSVP for this free event! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/transit-oriented-drinks-tickets-701077159657