Kansas City Public Transportation

KC Streetcar

The Kansas City Streetcar is a free-to-ride, 2.2-mile, 16-stop streetcar system in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, connecting the River Market to Union Station via Main Street. It operates daily with modern, fixed-rail streetcars, offering a convenient transit option for residents, workers, and visitors. Hours are Monday–Thursday 6 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday 6 a.m.–midnight, Saturday 7 a.m.–midnight, Sunday 7 a.m.–10 p.m., with extended hours for special events. Streetcars arrive every 10–15 minutes, and the system is fare-free, funded by a Transportation Development District. Managed by the Kansas City Streetcar Authority and operated by Herzog Transit Services, it served over 2.3 million riders in 2023. Extensions are planned, including a 3.5-mile northward route to the Berkley Riverfront and a southern extension to UMKC, with construction ongoing or planned through 2025. The streetcar enhances access to downtown businesses, entertainment, and cultural sites like the Power & Light District and Crown Center. For real-time tracking, riders can use the RideKC Streetcar app or website.

RideKC Bus Service

RideKC, managed by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, offers fare-free bus service across the Kansas City metro area, spanning Jackson and Wyandotte Counties in Missouri and parts of Johnson County, Kansas. It operates 37 fixed routes with 2,654 stops, including MAX Bus Rapid Transit lines and connections to KCI Airport, the KC Streetcar, Amtrak, and Greyhound. Key features include real-time tracking via apps like Moovit, over 40 transit centers and park-and-rides, and accessibility via RideKC Freedom paratransit. Recent updates include detours for construction, the 510 K-10 Connector resuming service, and Independence shifting to IRIS on-demand rideshare. Budget concerns may affect future services. Visit ridekc.org for schedules and trip planning.

RideKC Freedom

RideKC Freedom is a paratransit and demand-response service operated by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) for the Kansas City metro area. It provides curb-to-curb transportation for ADA-eligible riders with disabilities and non-ADA eligible seniors or others needing flexible transit. The service operates within ¾ mile of fixed bus routes in Jackson and Wyandotte Counties, Missouri, and parts of Johnson County, Kansas. Rides are booked via the RideKC Freedom app or by calling (816) 842-9070, with fares typically $3–$4, though some areas offer fare-free service. Operating hours align with fixed-route buses, generally 5 a.m.–11 p.m. It complements RideKC’s fare-free bus system and ensures accessible transit for those unable to use standard buses. For details, visit ridekc.org.