Zero Fare Transit Approved in Kansas City, Missouri

While the details of funding are undetermined, Kansas City, Missouri took a monumental step in the history of U.S. public transit yesterday.

1 minute read

December 6, 2019, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

The Kansas City Streetcar was already free to ride; soon buses will be too. | Jason Doss / Flickr

"The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council on Thursday unanimously approved to a resolution that may eliminate public bus fares, positioning the city to become the first major metropolitan area with free public bus service," reports Nick Starling.

The Zero Fare Transit program, as the city is calling it, will require "the City Manager to include a funding request in the next fiscal year budget to make fixed route public transportation fare free within the City," according to the text of the resolution approved yesterday. Where the money for the program comes from remains an open question.

Both Kansas City Mayor Quintron Lucas and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority voiced its support for Zero Fare Transit on Twitter.

Thank you @KCMO City Council. This is going to improve the lives of so many and help fuel the local economy. #ZeroFareTransit https://t.co/z3eZgQbtfl

— RideKC (@RideKCTransit) December 5, 2019

FULL STORY: Free bus rides: KCMO Council moves closer to eliminating fares

Thursday, December 5, 2019 in KSHB

Transportation Missouri Kansas City Zero Fare Transit Fare-Free Transit Transit Fares Transit Funding Mayor Quintron Lucas Kansas City Area Transportation Authority Public Transit View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.